INEC Releases Full List of Candidates for Ekiti 2026 Governorship Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially unveiled the comprehensive list of candidates cleared to contest in the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026. This announcement marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s electoral calendar, setting the stage for a keenly contested race in the Southwest state known for its political vibrancy.

INEC published the list on its portal and through state offices, confirming 12 political parties with their gubernatorial hopefuls and running mates. The disclosure follows primaries conducted by the parties and INEC’s verification process, which screened out ineligible aspirants. No major disqualifications were reported, though some parties like the PDP did not field candidates after internal crises derailed their process—PDP’s primaries collapsed amid factional disputes, leaving the field open for others.

Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), aged 58, tops the list with Monisade Afuye (67) as his deputy. Oyebanji, who won in 2022 with over 53% of votes, campaigns on infrastructure gains like road networks and education reforms, but faces scrutiny over economic hardships linked to national inflation.

Full List of Candidates and Running Mates

Here’s the verified lineup, including ages where disclosed by INEC:

1.Accord Party: Opeyemi Falegan (41), Omoyemi Olaleye (42)

2.African Action Congress (AAC): Akande Oluwasegun (36), Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe

3.Action Democratic Party (ADP): Ayodeji Ojo (42), Itunu Ibitoye (35)

4.African Democratic Congress (ADC): Oluwadare Bejide (66), Paul Olowoyeye (52)

5.All Progressives Congress (APC): Biodun Oyebanji (58), Monisade Afuye (67)

6.Action People’s Party (APP): Bidemi Awogbemi (36), Akinyemi Adewumi (53)

7.Allied People’s Movement (APM): Joseph Anifowose (65), Margaret Ilesanmi (68)

8.Labour Party (LP): Oyebanji Olajuyin (67), Ayokunle Okumade (45)

9.New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP): Abegunde Blessing (35), Francis Ajayi (65)

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10.People’s Redemption Party (PRP): Olaniyi Ayodele (49), Modupe Adebiyi (35)

11.Young Progressive Party (YPP): Owoola Daramola (54), Opeyemi Adeyemo (51)

12.Zenith Labour Party (ZLP): Victor Adetunji (38), Adesina Oyeniyi (35)

Key Contenders and Emerging Dynamics

The race pits Oyebanji’s APC against a fragmented opposition. Labour Party’s Oyebanji Olajuyin, a retired naval officer, positions himself as an anti-establishment voice, drawing from LP’s national momentum post-2023. NNPP’s Abegunde Blessing, at 35 the youngest contender and a female aspirant, brings fresh energy with pledges on youth empowerment and agriculture—Ekiti’s economic backbone.

Youthful faces dominate smaller parties: AAC’s Akande (36), APP’s Awogbemi (36), and ZLP’s Adetunji (38) signal a push for generational shift. Gender balance varies, with women like Blessing and Modupe Adebiyi (PRP deputy) adding diversity. Incumbency favors APC, but economic woes, insecurity from herder-farmer clashes, and federal-state tensions could sway voters.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, Jason Olotu, emphasized compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, urging parties to avoid pre-election litigations. Campaign councils are forming, with billboards already dotting Ado-Ekiti streets. The commission will soon release the election timetable, including notice of poll by January 2026.

This election tests Tinubu’s APC grip in the Southwest ahead of 2027, with analysts watching turnout—Ekiti’s 2022 poll saw 48% participation. Stakeholders call for violence-free polls, recalling past off-cycle tensions.