The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was notably absent from the provisional list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State election.
The list, displayed on Monday at the INEC office along New Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, features candidates from 12 other political parties.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji (58) with Monisade Afuye (67) as his deputy. Other key contenders include Opeyemi Falegan (41) and Omoyemi Olaleye (42) of the Accord Party; Akande Oluwasegun (36) with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe of the African Action Congress; and Ayodeji Ojo (42) alongside Itunu Ibitoye (35) of the Action Democratic Party.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated Oluwadare Bejide (66) and Paul Olowoyeye (52), while the Action People’s Party (APP) presents Bidemi Awogbemi (36) and Akinyemi Adewumi (53). Other parties on the list include the Allied People’s Movement, Labour Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, People’s Redemption Party, Young Progressive Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
INEC sources explained that the PDP’s omission is due to unresolved court cases concerning the party’s leadership.
The commission confirmed that the list will be updated on January 19, 2026, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, allowing parties to finalise substitutions and settle any outstanding legal matters before the election.
