SDP Candidate Drops Case Against Ekiti Governor

The Social Democratic Party candidate in the June 20 Ekiti governorship election, Isaac Alade, withdrew his case against Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Monday. This move happened against the party’s wishes.

Umar Abdulhamid, the lawyer for the SDP candidate, told the tribunal he filed a Motion on Notice dated September 12, 2026. This letter informed the tribunal of Alade’s plan to discontinue the petition.

Adewole Adebayo, another lawyer for the SDP, said he was unaware of the candidate’s decision. He described the withdrawal as an ambush.

Adebayo mentioned he would not challenge the application. He noted that the candidate’s choice would not stop the party from continuing the case.

Justice Idris Kutigi, the chairman of the three-member panel, ruled on the matter. He said, “The tribunal grants the application, having considered the Motion on Notice of the second petitioner (SDP candidate) in respect of his intention to withdraw from the petition. His name is hereby struck out of the petition.”

Adewole, who is also the SDP presidential candidate, shared his thoughts on Alade’s decision. He said the party was not worried about the withdrawal. He stated, “We will have no reason to stop him. If he withdraws and decides to go home, he is free; it does not stop us (SDP) from continuing with the case.”

Adetunji Oso, the lawyer representing Governor Oyebanji, said he would not oppose the candidate’s application. He explained that it was in line with the Electoral Act, 2026. Oso noted that the candidate was simply exercising his legal right.

Oso also addressed claims that petitioners were withdrawing due to coercion or intimidation. He said, “The governor, as the chief security officer of the state, won’t undermine, nor take any action that can hinder free operation of the tribunal to dispense justice in the matter expeditiously.”

Last Monday, during the first sitting of the Election Petition Tribunal, Dr Oluwole Oluyede, the candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party, who came second in the election, also withdrew his petition. His case was also struck out by the tribunal.