Introduction to the Crisis
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing internal turmoil following the adjournment of a hearing related to its governorship primary in Ekiti State. Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has again delayed the hearing of a Motion on Notice in the suit filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi against the PDP, its acting national chairman, and other respondents.
The Adjournment and Its Implications
The court’s decision to allow all parties more time to file and exchange necessary processes has significant implications for the party’s upcoming National Convention. Justice Akintola emphasized the importance of properly filing all relevant documents before substantive proceedings could commence. The adjournment is necessary to enable the court to consider all pending applications together for a smooth hearing.
Ekiti PDP Leaders React
PDP leaders in Ekiti State, led by former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Kola Oluwawole, have warned against alleged subterranean moves by "enemies of the party" to upturn the outcome of the governorship primary won by Dr. Wole Oluyede. Oluyede won the primary poll with 279 votes, defeating his closest rival, Funso Ayeni, who received 239 votes, while Theresa Funmi Ogun trailed with 27 votes.
The Appeal for Calm
The Ekiti PDP leaders appealed to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the PDP leaders at the national level, to stop the alleged plots by enemies of the party to upturn the choice of the people. They described Oluyede as the people’s choice, saying "we have decided to win the 2026 June 20 governorship election in Ekiti."
Reconciliation Efforts
Oluyede has commenced reconciliation efforts by visiting one of the aggrieved contestants at the primary, Mrs. Ogun. This move is seen as a step towards healing the wounds of the primary election and uniting the party ahead of the governorship election.
Petition Against Justice Akintola
In a related development, PDP stakeholders have petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) to probe the conduct of Justice Akintola in a recent ex parte order issued on November 4. The petitioners alleged that the judge’s order directly contradicts a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Call for Disciplinary Action
The petitioners called on the NJC to take urgent disciplinary action against Justice Akintola, citing "acts of judicial recklessness, impunity, and gross misconduct." They expressed hope that the NJC would treat the matter with urgency to reinforce the principle that "no one—no matter how highly placed—is above the law."
Conclusion
The crisis within the PDP is a reflection of the deeper challenges facing the party as it prepares for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State. The adjournment of the hearing, the appeal by Ekiti PDP leaders, and the petition against Justice Akintola all highlight the need for the party to resolve its internal conflicts and present a united front ahead of the election.
FAQs
- What is the current status of the PDP governorship primary in Ekiti State?
The primary has been concluded, and Dr. Wole Oluyede has emerged as the winner. - What is the basis of the petition against Justice Akintola?
The petitioners allege that the judge’s ex parte order contradicts a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja. - What is the significance of the adjournment of the hearing?
The adjournment allows all parties more time to file and exchange necessary processes, which is crucial for the smooth hearing of the case. - What efforts are being made to reconcile the aggrieved contestants?
Oluyede has commenced reconciliation efforts by visiting one of the aggrieved contestants, Mrs. Ogun. - What is the expected outcome of the NJC’s investigation into Justice Akintola’s conduct?
The petitioners hope that the NJC will take urgent disciplinary action against the judge, citing "acts of judicial recklessness, impunity, and gross misconduct."
