With the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election fast approaching, major political parties across the state have concluded their primary elections and announced their flag bearers, in compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s November 10 deadline.
In the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), renowned physician Dr. Wole Oluyede emerged as the party’s candidate after securing 279 votes in the primary election held at the Vino Event Centre in Ado-Ekiti. His closest rival, Funso Ayeni, received 239 votes, while Theresa Ogun finished with 27 votes.
The exercise, which extended into the early hours of Sunday, witnessed some tension following protests over the alleged exclusion of delegates from the Ido/Osi Local Government Area. Despite the disruptions, the process was eventually concluded, with Dr. Oluyede urging party members to stay united and focused on victory in 2026.
PDP State Chairman Tunji Odeyemi commended delegates and aspirants for their conduct and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy and unity.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) reaffirmed incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its candidate through a consensus decision, setting up what is expected to be a keenly contested election.
In the African Democratic Party (ADP), Dare Bejide clinched the party’s ticket with 15,466 votes, defeating former deputy governor Olusola Eleka (12,003 votes), Femi Adegbite (9,141 votes), Emmanuel Fayose (2,865 votes), and Ayodele Adesua (135 votes). The ADP Primary Committee, chaired by Patricia Akwashiki, later announced that results from Ilejemeje and Oye LGAs were suspended, while Emure LGA’s results were cancelled due to irregularities.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) produced Blessing Abegunde, a young entrepreneur, as its governorship candidate. His emergence followed a unanimous agreement among aspirants, all of whom stepped down to support him. NNPP State Chairman Adelusi Ayeni described his candidacy as a sign of fresh energy and renewed confidence within the party.
Also, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) elected David Bankole, a two-term state secretary, as its flag bearer. The primary election, which spanned three days, concluded with the withdrawal of other aspirants — Peter Adesina and Adesola Dada — in support of Bankole.
SDP Primary Committee Chairman Gabriel Akinloye praised the aspirants for their maturity and urged members to unite behind the candidate for the upcoming poll.
With these developments, the political atmosphere in Ekiti State is already heating up, as parties now prepare for a competitive race toward the June 2026 governorship election.