The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates cleared to contest the June 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, setting the stage for a multi-party battle involving 12 political parties.
The list, signed by INEC National Commissioner, Rose Oraran-Anthony, shows that candidates will be vying for the governorship seat alongside their running mates, with qualifications ranging from primary school certificates to doctorate degrees.
According to the commission, the approved candidates include representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and several other parties.
The incumbent governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, 58, will be contesting on the platform of the APC, with Monisade Afuye, 67, as the deputy governorship candidate.
The Labour Party is presenting Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji, 67, as its governorship candidate, with legal practitioner Okumade Ayokunle Odumayo as his running mate.
Among the younger contenders is Abegunde Ayobami Blessing of the NNPP, aged 35, while the AAC has nominated Akande Oluwasegun Samuel, 36, with John Fajuyigbe Oluwasanmi as deputy.
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Other candidates include Bejide Oluwadare Patrick (ADC), Ojo Ayodeji (ADP), Anifowose Joseph Olanrewaju (APM), Awogbemi Bidemi Olaiya (APP), Ayodele Olaniyi Olanrewaju Praise (PRP), Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele (YPP), and Adetunji Victor Damilola (ZLP).
INEC’s document also highlights the wide disparity in educational backgrounds among the candidates and their deputies, a development that has already sparked conversations among political observers and voters in the state.
With the final list now public, political parties are expected to intensify campaigns ahead of the governorship poll, which is seen as a critical test of voter sentiment in Ekiti State amid economic hardship, governance concerns, and growing youth political engagement.
INEC has reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election, warning parties and candidates to adhere strictly to electoral laws and campaign regulations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had fixed the governorship elections in Ekiti states for Saturday, June 20
Credit: SAHARAREPORTERS
PS: PDP has no candidate in the coming election
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