The Court of Appeal, Akure Division, on Thursday, affirmed Dr Wole Oluyede as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ekiti Governorship Election.

The appellate court, in its ruling, affirmed the validity of the PDP primary election in Ekiti State, which produced Oluyede as the party’s governorship candidate.

In a unanimous decision, the three-man appellate panel led by Hon. Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah, alongside Hon. Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang and Hon. Justice Peter O. Affen, set aside the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti.

The justices held that the primary election conducted by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) was valid, transparent, and complied with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

It would be recalled that on the 13th of January, 2026, the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, nullified the Ekiti State Governorship primary election conducted on the 8th and 9th November, 2025.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the Party took the matter before the Court of Appeal, and today, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court.

The Court further held that the primary election was duly conducted.

Reacting in a post via its 𝕏 account, the PDP declared that the “judgment effectively puts to rest the leadership and candidacy disputes that have shadowed the party’s preparations for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election.

“By upholding the Turaki-led process, the Court has provided the necessary legal finality to ensure the PDP enters the general election as a unified front.”

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Social activist, Aisha Yesufu, has urged opposition leaders Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar to adopt practical campaign strategies that address the economic realities confronting many Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yesufu gave the advice in a post shared on her 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, where she stressed that the worsening economic hardship across the country has forced many citizens to prioritise survival over political rhetoric.

According to the activist, widespread poverty has significantly influenced how citizens respond to political messages, making material support and immediate relief more meaningful to many voters.

She argued that the current economic situation has left many Nigerians struggling to meet basic needs, particularly with rising food prices.

Yesufu said the situation had been worsened by policies that, in her view, had stripped citizens of their financial capacity.

“Citizens were deliberately impoverished, monies taken away from their pockets and food made expensive so that little tokens will matter to them,” she wrote.

The activist further advised opposition parties to tailor their campaign messages in ways that resonate with the everyday struggles of Nigerians.

According to her, political actors seeking support from voters must understand the urgent realities faced by citizens.

“As we go into the 2027 election, the opposition must campaign to the people in the language the people will understand,” she added.

Yesufu suggested that political campaigns should combine practical support with policy messaging to effectively connect with voters.

“For those who need bread, give them bread with your picture on it. For those who need policies, give them policy documents with your picture on it,” she said.

Yesufu also emphasised the psychological and social impact of hunger on citizens, noting that individuals struggling with basic needs may find it difficult to focus on policy debates or political arguments.

“A hungry man or woman cannot reason. He or she just wants the rumbling in their tummy to stop,” she wrote.

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Ogun State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged Christian leaders to back a Muslim candidate for governor in 2027, citing fairness and equity.

They argued that it’s time for a religious balance in leadership, given the state’s Christian governor currently.

According to them, since the creation of the state in 1976, Muslim civilian governors have only ruled for eight years, while Christian governors will have held office for 26 years by the end of Abiodun’s tenure.

The group raised the concern in a statement signed by MURIC Ogun State Chairman, Tajudeen Alao, and the Secretary, Olaleye Damilare on Wednesday.

They recalled the role Christian leaders played in the 2019 governorship election, saying “We vividly recall that Christian leadership in Ogun State urged the Muslim electorate to vote for Prince Dapo Abiodun, a Christian, despite the outgoing governor, Ibikunle Amosun, being a Muslim.

“Their call was rooted in fairness and sensitivity to the principle of religious inclusiveness.

“Since Ogun State’s creation in 1976, Muslim civilian governors have only ruled for eight years, while Christian governors will have held office for 26 years by the end of Abiodun’s tenure.

“By 2027, should 26 years wait for eight, or eight years wait for 26? Would it not be anomalous for Christians to extend their 26-year rule with another eight years while Muslims remain at just eight years of leadership?” It asked.

According to MURIC, a large number of Muslims backed Abiodun in good faith and now want Christian leaders to support a Muslim candidate in the upcoming election in return.

“Justice and equity demand that Christians support a Muslim candidate for the next governorship to restore balance and inclusivity,” the statement added.

The group emphasised that its call was “without malice,” characterising it as Christlike and intended to advance inclusivity, love, and harmony.

They insisted that supporting a Muslim candidate would ensure fairness, uphold religious equity, and prevent an imbalance in the political leadership of Ogun State.

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