Ekiti Parties Battle for Grounds Ahead of 2026 Governorship Election

Political parties in Ekiti State are preparing for a fierce contest in the 2026 governorship election after completing their primaries and presenting their candidates. The election, which will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission on June 20, 2026, is already shaping into a tight race as several parties and their flagbearers begin early moves to gain support across the state.

INEC earlier announced that primaries were to be held between October 20 and November 10, 2025. The commission also stated that the personal details of all candidates will be released on December 29, while parties will have until January 12, 2026, to substitute withdrawn candidates. The final list of candidates will be published on January 19, 2026. With these timelines in place, the parties that have concluded their primaries are now entering the next phase of preparing for the election.

The All Progressives Congress is presenting Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its candidate. He emerged through a consensus method after his only cleared opponent, Atinuke Omolayo, stepped down and backed him. Two other aspirants earlier disqualified by the party caused tension, as one of them claimed to have taken the party to court. Before the primaries, the governor enjoyed wide support from various groups across the state, many of whom credited him for the progress recorded in different areas of state development. The APC believes that the governor stands a strong chance of returning for a second term, as the party insists it is deeply rooted in the state and prepared to defend its hold on power.

For the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Wole Oluyede emerged as the candidate after defeating three other aspirants. He has been active in politics for many years and has contested under different parties in the past. Oluyede is now seeking to reunite PDP members, especially as the party has struggled with internal divisions for years. He plans to create reconciliation committees at all levels to rebuild trust and bring members together ahead of the election. He believes the PDP can regain control of the state if unity is restored and party structures are properly managed. Although the national crisis within the PDP raises concerns, he insists internal disputes are normal in politics and can be resolved before the election.

In the African Democratic Congress, former ambassador and former state government official Dare Bejide won the ticket after defeating four other aspirants. Bejide argues that Ekiti residents are searching for change because they are not satisfied with the current administration. He says the ADC will run a robust campaign across the sixteen local government areas. The party leadership says it is already mending minor disagreements from the primaries and building a united front. They claim the party’s presence across the grassroots gives it a real chance in the election, insisting that residents want a fresh option beyond the ruling party.

The Young Progressives Party produced Daramola Owoola, who also serves as the state chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council. He says he joined the race after studying the political climate and believes that residents are no longer comfortable with the APC. He claims his party is gaining new members from both APC and PDP, especially from those who feel sidelined in their parties. Owoola says the YPP’s structure across the state is growing and will be strong enough to push for victory when the campaign starts fully.

For the Social Democratic Party, engineer David Bankole became the candidate after two other aspirants stepped aside for him. The party leadership says it is well prepared for the election and believes its structures across the state will help it challenge the ruling party effectively. The SDP insists that its candidate has the capacity to defeat the incumbent and that its widespread support will count when residents cast their votes in June next year.

In the Accord Party, businessman and philanthropist Opeyemi Falegan was affirmed as the candidate after a consensus process. He says he is entering the race to free the state from leaders who have remained in politics for too long without offering real development. He plans to run a people-centred campaign focused on development, empowerment and transparent governance. He also warns that vote-buying is harming the political space in Ekiti and promises to work with international bodies to ensure credible polls. The national leadership of Accord has urged residents to support him in the coming election.

As all candidates prepare for months of political activities ahead of the June 2026 election, Ekiti residents will closely watch how each party builds alliances, settles conflicts and connects with voters. With many parties confident of victory, the state appears set for one of the most competitive elections in recent years.