The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the provisional list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conspicuously absent.
According to INEC, the provisional list comprises candidates from 12 political parties.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, with Monisade Afuye as his running mate.
Other candidates on the list include Opeyemi Falegan of the Accord Party, who is contesting with Omoyemi Olaleye as deputy governor. The African Action Congress (AAC) is presenting Akande Oluwasegun, with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe as his running mate.
Also listed is Ayodeji Ojo of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), alongside Itunu Ibitoye, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is fielding Oluwadare Bejide with Paul Olowoyeye as deputy.
The Action People’s Party (APP) is represented by Bidemi Awogbemi and Akinyemi Adewumi.
Other political parties participating in the election include the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
However, the absence of the PDP from the provisional list has raised political interest ahead of the 2026 poll.
INEC explained that the provisional list would be updated on January 19, 2026, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, after political parties conclude candidate substitutions and resolve pending legal matters before the election.
