Citizens of Ekiti State head to the polls today, June 20, 2026, to elect a new governor in an off-cycle election organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Voting will take place across all 16 local government areas of the state, with about 1.02 million registered voters expected to participate in the exercise spread across 2,445 polling units.
A total of 14 candidates are contesting the governorship seat, which is currently held by Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Oyebanji is seeking re-election for a second term and aims to make history as the first governor in Ekiti State to win back-to-back terms.
He enters the race as a strong contender, having secured 187,057 votes in the 2022 election. The APC also maintains a dominant political structure in the state, controlling all National Assembly seats, the State House of Assembly, local government councils, and local council development areas, although internal party tensions have persisted following recent primaries.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is fielding Dare Bejide, a former Secretary to the State Government and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to Canada. His campaign is backed by notable political figures including former Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka and other influential stakeholders.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nominated Dr. Wole Oluyede as its flag bearer. He hails from Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti South Senatorial District, a region that has long sought a turn in the governorship seat. His candidacy is seen as strategically significant due to the area’s voting strength.
Other candidates on the ballot include Akande Oluwasegun Samuel (AAC), Opeyemi Falegan (Accord), Ayodeji Ojo (ADP), Bidemi Olaiya Awogbemi (APP), Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin (Labour Party), Abegunde Ayobami Blessing (NNPP), Olaniyi Olanrewaju Ayodele (PRP), Owoola Daramola (YPP), Olu Omotoso (AA), and Victor Damilola Adetunji (ZLP).
Meanwhile, Joseph Anifowose of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has withdrawn from the race and endorsed Governor Oyebanji, citing his performance in infrastructure and social development.
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