INEC Ekiti Poll List Leave People In Shock Over Major Party Exclusion
Ekiti State has entered the final stretch of its 2026 governorship race after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the official list of cleared candidates for the June 20 election.
The publication, made at INEC’s Ado-Ekiti headquarters on Monday, follows the requirement under Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates candidate lists be released at least 150 days before elections.
The list includes candidates from 12 political parties, detailing their ages, genders, academic qualifications, and running mates. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) were notably absent, leaving many observers surprised.
Among those cleared, the All Progressives Congress (APC) fielded incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji with Deputy Monisade Afuye. Other parties included the Action Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Young Progressives Party, and Labour Party, each presenting candidates and running mates, with a few substitutions made in the YPP slate.
INEC officials said only candidates whose nominations fully comply with the law and court rulings were included, implying unresolved legal or procedural disputes may have affected PDP’s eligibility.
Political analysts suggest the exclusion could reshape the race, influencing voter dynamics and party strategies as the election draws closer.
