Oluyede Withdraws Petition Against Oyebanji's Victory

Dr Oluwole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State, formally withdrew his petition challenging the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress. The election petition tribunal, during its first sitting in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, struck out the petition as per Oluyede's request.

His counsel, Mr Paul Komolafe, moved the motion before a three-member panel of judges, which included Justices Abubakar Idris Kutigi, Aminu Tukur, and Maurice Okediya. Counsel for Oyebanji and the APC, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mr Sulaiman Ibrahim, did not oppose the withdrawal.

Oluyede stated that his decision was influenced by President Bola Tinubu and other advisers, emphasizing the need for unity in Ekiti and Nigeria. The tribunal adjourned to Thursday for a ruling on pre-hearing reports and to Monday, September 14, for hearings on other petitions challenging Oyebanji's election.