The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the personal details and particulars of candidates contesting the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
A journalist who visited the INEC state headquarters along the new Iyin–Ekiti Road in Ado-Ekiti on Monday observed that the names and particulars of twelve governorship candidates and their running mates were clearly displayed at the entrance of the commission’s office.
According to the list made public, the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji (58), and his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye (67), were listed as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, for the 20 June 2026 election.
Other candidates on the list include those of the Accord Party, Opeyemi Falegan (41) and Omoyemi Olaleye (42); the African Action Congress, AAC, Akande Oluwasegun (36) with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe as running mate; the Action Democratic Party, ADP, Ayodeji Ojo (42) and Itunu Ibitoye (35); the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Oluwadare Bejide (66) and Paul Olowoyeye (52); the Action People’s Party, APP, Bidemi Awogbemi (36) and Akinyemi Adewumi (53); and the Allied People’s Movement, APM, which presented Joseph Anifowose (65) with Margaret Ilesanmi (68).
Also included were the Labour Party, LP, candidates, Oyebanji Olajuyin (67) and Ayokunle Okumade (45); the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Blessing Abegunde (35) and Francis Ajayi (65); the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, Olaniyi Ayodele (49) and Modupe Adebiyi (35); the Young Progressive Party, YPP, Owoola Daramola (54) and Opeyemi Adeyemo (51); as well as the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, with Victor Adetunji (38) and Adesina Oyeniyi (35).
However, it was observed that the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and his running mate were noticeably absent from the list displayed by INEC.
It will be recalled that a well-known medical expert, Dr Wole Oluyede, emerged as the PDP governorship candidate during the party’s primary election held on 8 November.
A reliable source within INEC said that the exclusion of the PDP candidate was connected to the unresolved leadership crisis at the party’s national headquarters, where two factions are laying claim to the party’s control.
The source added that the commission was aware of ongoing court cases relating to the crisis and would not take any position until the judiciary gave direction.
The internal conflict has divided the party into two groups — one led by Aminu Turaki, SAN, and supported by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, along with some other PDP governors; and another faction led by Abdulrahman Muhammed, aligned with the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking to the media, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, stated that the publication of the names and personal particulars of candidates was in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.
He encouraged voters in the state to visit INEC offices to review the candidates’ details and raise any observations ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
According to the commission’s timetable, political parties have until 12 January 2026 to replace candidates who withdraw from the contest, while the final list of candidates is expected to be published on 19 January 2026.
