Ekiti 2026: PDP Missing As INEC Releases List Of Gov Candidates
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday released the provisional list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State election.
The list, posted at the INEC office along New Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, features contenders from 12 political parties.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji (58), with Monisade Afuye (67) as his running mate. Other notable candidates include Opeyemi Falegan (41) of the Accord Party with Omoyemi Olaleye (42); Akande Oluwasegun (36) of the African Action Congress with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe; and Ayodeji Ojo (42) of the Action Democratic Party with Itunu Ibitoye (35).
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presents Oluwadare Bejide (66) and Paul Olowoyeye (52), while the Action People’s Party (APP) fields 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.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates, Dr. Wole Oluyede and his deputy, were absent from the provisional list.
Sources at INEC indicated that the omission is due to unresolved court cases concerning the party’s leadership.
INEC has stated that it will update the list on January 19, 2026, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, as parties finalise substitutions and resolve legal issues ahead of the election.
