The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates cleared to participate in the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 2026, confirming a crowded and competitive race featuring 12 political parties.
In a statement endorsed by INEC National Commissioner, Mrs Rose Oraran-Anthony, the electoral body confirmed that all approved governorship candidates will appear on the ballot with their respective deputy governorship nominees.
The commission also disclosed that the academic backgrounds of the candidates and their running mates vary widely, ranging from basic primary education to doctoral qualifications—a contrast that has generated public debate across the state.
INEC noted that the cleared candidates emerged from several political parties, including 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), among others.
The incumbent governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, 58, will be defending his seat under the APC banner, maintaining his current deputy, Monisade Afuye, 67, as his running mate.
The Labour Party has nominated Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji, aged 67, as its flagbearer, with legal practitioner Okumade Ayokunle Odumayo selected as deputy governorship candidate.
Adding a youthful dimension to the contest, the NNPP is presenting 35-year-old Abegunde Ayobami Blessing, signaling the increasing involvement of younger politicians in Ekiti’s electoral landscape. Similarly, the African Action Congress (AAC) has put forward Akande Oluwasegun Samuel, 36, with John Fajuyigbe Oluwasanmi as his deputy.
Other candidates cleared by INEC 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).
With the final list now public, political parties are expected to step up campaign activities ahead of the election. Analysts view the poll as a major gauge of public opinion in Ekiti State, especially against the backdrop of economic challenges, governance debates and rising youth participation in politics.
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INEC has reaffirmed its resolve to deliver a transparent and credible election, cautioning political parties and candidates to comply fully with the Electoral Act and established campaign regulations.
The commission has fixed Saturday, June 20, as the date for the Ekiti State governorship election.
