The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the personal particulars and details of cleared governorship candidates in anticipation of the 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election.
On Monday, INEC officially unveiled the names and particulars of twelve governorship candidates and their respective running mates, prominently displayed at the entrance of its state headquarters along the new Iyin–Ekiti Road in Ado-Ekiti.
The incumbent governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji (58), along with his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye (67), is listed as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the election scheduled on June 20, 2026.
Other candidates include those from the Accord Party, Opeyemi Falegan (41) and Omoyemi Olaleye (42); the African Action Congress (AAC), with Akande Oluwasegun (36) and Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe as running mate; the Action Democratic Party (ADP), represented by Ayodeji Ojo (42) and Itunu Ibitoye (35); the African Democratic Congress (ADC), featuring Oluwadare Bejide (66) and Paul Olowoyeye (52); the Action People’s Party (APP), comprising Bidemi Awogbemi (36) and Akinyemi Adewumi (53); and the Allied People’s Movement (APM), with Joseph Anifowose (65) and Margaret Ilesanmi (68).
Also included are the Labour Party (LP) candidates, Oyebanji Olajuyin (67) and Ayokunle Okumade (45); the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), with Blessing Abegunde (35) and Francis Ajayi (65); the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), consisting of Olaniyi Ayodele (49) and Modupe Adebiyi (35); the Young Progressive Party (YPP), represented by Owoola Daramola (54) and Opeyemi Adeyemo (51); and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), showcasing Victor Adetunji (38) and Adesina Oyeniyi (35).
However, it was glaringly observed that the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and his running mate were notably absent from the list released by INEC.
You will recall that a renowned medical expert, Dr. Wole Oluyede, emerged as the PDP governorship candidate during the party’s primary election held on November 8.
A credible source within INEC informed the Nigerian Tribune that the omission of the PDP candidate was connected to the ongoing leadership crisis at the party’s national headquarters, where two factions are laying claim to the party’s leadership.
The source added that the commission is aware of the various litigations concerning the PDP crisis and would refrain from taking any action until otherwise directed by the judiciary.
The crisis has divided the party into two camps: one led by Aminu Turaki, SAN, supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other PDP governors; the other faction is led by Abdulrahman Muhammed, aligned with the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking to journalists, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, explained that the release of the names and personal particulars of candidates complied with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.
He urged voters in the state to visit INEC offices to scrutinize the candidates’ details and make any necessary observations ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
According to the timetable released by the commission, political parties have until January 12, 2026, to replace candidates who withdraw from the race, while the final list of candidates is expected to be published on January 19, 2026.
