SDP Candidate Withdraws Ekiti Governorship Petition

Isaac Alade, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the June 20, 2026, Ekiti governorship election, has withdrawn his petition challenging Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s victory.

Alade took the decision despite opposition from the SDP, which said it would continue with its legal challenge.

At Monday’s sitting of the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Alade’s lawyer, Umar Abdulhamid, told the three-member panel that his client had filed a Motion on Notice dated September 12 to discontinue the case.

SDP counsel Adewole Adebayo said he was unaware of Alade’s plan and described it as an “ambush”. However, he said the party would not oppose the application.

“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,” Adebayo said.

The tribunal, led by Justice Idris Kutigi, granted the application and removed Alade’s name from the petition.

“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,” the judge ruled.

Counsel to Governor Oyebanji, Adetunji Oso, raised no objection. He said Alade had exercised a right allowed under the Electoral Act 2026.

Oso also rejected claims that candidates who withdrew their petitions faced pressure or intimidation.

“The governor, as the chief security officer of the state, won’t undermine or take any action that can hinder the free operation of the tribunal to dispense justice in the matter expeditiously,” he said.

Alade’s withdrawal came one week after PDP candidate Oluwole Oluyede also withdrew his petition.

What could Alade’s withdrawal mean for the SDP’s ongoing legal challenge?