2026 Ekiti Governorship Election Overview
Citizens of Ekiti State are set to vote today, 20 June 2026, to choose their next governor in an off‑cycle election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A total of 1.02 million registered voters across 2,445 polling units will decide the outcome, with fourteen candidates competing for the state’s highest political office.
Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji Seeks a Second Term
The incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is running for re‑election. If successful, he would become the first governor in Ekiti’s history to win two consecutive terms. Oyebanji secured 187,057 votes in the 2022 governorship poll and currently enjoys APC control of all nine National Assembly seats, the 26‑seat State House of Assembly, all 16 local government councils, and 22 Local Council Development Areas. Nonetheless, internal party tensions persist after several incumbent lawmakers lost their tickets during the primaries.
Major Opposition Candidates
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated Dare Babajide, a former Secretary to the State Government and ex‑Nigerian Ambassador to Canada. He is backed by prominent opposition figures such as former Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola‑Eleka, former Commissioner for Information Akin Omole, and businessman Funsho Ayeni.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fields Dr. Wole Oluyede from Ikere‑Ekiti in the Ekiti South Senatorial District. His candidacy carries regional significance because no governor has emerged from Ekiti South since the state’s creation, and his hometown remains one of the largest voting centres in Ekiti.
Other Contenders
Additional 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).
Joseph Anifowose of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has withdrawn his candidacy and endorsed Governor Oyebanji, citing the governor’s record on infrastructure and social services.
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