- Wasiu Adekunle Adejumo // Premier World News
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its refusal to recognise and list the party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election, describing the decision as unlawful, biased and a deliberate attempt to undermine democracy.
In a strongly worded statement signed on Tuesday by Dr. Sunday Adekunle Solarin – FCA, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, the PDP said it was “shocked” by INEC’s action, insisting that the commission was fully notified and actively monitored the party’s primary election in Ekiti State.
According to the party, the governorship primary that produced its candidate was free, transparent and devoid of controversy and was duly observed by INEC officials at both state and national levels.
“It is on record that INEC monitored the exercise, which was rancour-free both domestically and nationally”, Dr. Solarin stated.
The party rejected INEC’s reliance on ongoing litigation as justification for excluding its candidate, stressing that the primary election predated the said legal dispute and that no court order exists directing the commission to disregard the PDP’s duly nominated candidate.
“The commission is not bound by any court order to recognise any other individual as PDP’s candidate in the 2026 Ekiti governorship race”, Dr. Solarin’s statement said.
The PDP further argued that INEC’s statutory role is to act reasonably and impartially, warning that the commission must not descend into partisanship or be swayed by internal disputes, petitions, or external pressure, except where explicitly directed by a competent court.
“INEC cannot act like a partisan entity. Its decisions must be guided strictly by law, not by petitions, arguments or perceived discord within a political party”, the party noted.
The PDP described INEC’s stance as an “ostrich game”, alleging undue interest in the party’s internal affairs and suggesting a broader pattern of institutional bias that favours the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party also accused the APC of exploiting the situation to gain unfair advantage in Ekiti, noting that efforts to weaken the PDP through defections and political pressure had failed to deliver electoral comfort.
“The APC’s jubilation over this interim development only confirms its desperation to manipulate the electoral process”, the statement added.
Despite the controversy, the PDP expressed confidence that the rule of law would ultimately prevail, assuring Ekiti voters that the party would pursue all legal and constitutional means to ensure its candidate is restored.
“INEC cannot, under any technical disguise, pave the way for the APC in Ekiti State or anywhere else in Nigeria”, the party declared.
The PDP urged the people of Ekiti State not to lose hope, reaffirming its commitment to offering a credible alternative leadership in the 2026 election.
“No condition of tyranny can permanently enslave determined minds”, the party concluded.
