Citizens of Ekiti State are set for the polls today, June 20, 2026, to choose their next Governor in an off-cycle election being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governorship election will be held across the 16 local government areas in the state, with 1.02 million registered voters across 2,445 polling units set to determine the outcome.
Ejes Gist News reports that fourteen candidates are battling for the highest political office in Ekiti State, with the incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking a second term in office.
Also Read : Ekiti Election 2026 Live Updates: PDP Candidate Ejected, Dramatic Video Emerges
If re-elected, Oyebanji would become the first governor in Ekiti’s history to win two consecutive terms.
Oyebanji enters the poll as a leading candidate. He won the 2022 governorship election with 187,057 votes.
The APC controls all nine National Assembly seats, all 26 seats in the State House of Assembly, all 16 local government councils, and 22 Local Council Development Areas.
However, some internal party tensions linger following the primaries, in which several incumbent lawmakers lost their tickets.
Full List of Candidates and Parties
Below is the complete list of candidates contesting the 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election:
- AAC – Akande Oluwasegun Samuel
- Accord – Opeyemi Falegan
- ADC – Dare Bejide
- ADP – Ayodeji Ojo
- APP – Bidemi Olaiya Awogbemi
- APC – Biodun Oyebanji (Incumbent)
- Labour Party – Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin
- NNPP – Abegunde Ayobami Blessing
- PDP – Wole Oluyede
- PRP – Olaniyi Olanrewaju Ayodele
- YPP – Owoola Daramola
- AA – Olu Omotoso
- ZLP – Victor Damilola Adetunji
ADC – Dare Bejide
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is fielding a former Secretary to the State Government and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Dare Babajide, as its candidate for today’s election.
He enjoys the backing of several opposition heavyweights, including former Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, former Commissioner for Information Akin Omole, and businessman Funsho Ayeni.
PDP – Wole Oluyede
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) goes into the contest with Dr. Wole Oluyede as its candidate.
Oluyede is from Ikere-Ekiti in the Ekiti South Senatorial District. His candidacy carries a regional appeal as no governor has emerged from Ekiti South since the state’s creation, and his hometown remains one of the largest voting centres in the state.
APM Withdraws, Endorses Oyebanji
Joseph Anifowose of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has withdrawn from the race and endorsed Oyebanji, citing the governor’s record on infrastructure and social services.
What to Expect in Today’s Election
With 1.02 million registered voters and 2,445 polling units, today’s election is expected to be closely contested.
The APC’s control of all National Assembly seats, State Assembly seats, and local government councils gives the party a significant advantage.
However, the PDP and other opposition parties are hoping to break the APC’s dominance by appealing to voters seeking change.
The outcome of today’s election will determine whether Governor Oyebanji makes history as the first governor to win two consecutive terms or whether Ekiti State will usher in a new leader.
What do you think?
Will Governor Oyebanji secure re-election, or will the opposition produce an upset? Drop your opinion in the comments below.
