Ekiti 2026 Guber Race: Full List Of Candidates And Parties Emerge

The exercise is taking place across all 16 local government areas of the state, with INEC confirming that about 1.02 million registered voters spread across 2,445 polling units are expected to determine the next occupant of the state’s top political office.

A total of 14 candidates are contesting the governorship seat, with the incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, seeking re-election for a second term. If successful, he would become the first governor in Ekiti State’s history to win back-to-back terms. Oyebanji, who secured 187,057 votes in the 2022 election, enters the race as one of the frontrunners, while the APC currently maintains dominance across major political structures in the state.

The opposition is led by the African Democratic Congress, which has fielded former Secretary to the State Government and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Dare Babajide, who is backed by several influential political figures including former Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka and other stakeholders.

The Peoples Democratic Party is also in the contest with Dr. Wole Oluyede as its flag bearer. Oluyede, from Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti South Senatorial District, is drawing attention due to regional sentiments, as the southern axis has not produced a governor since the creation of the state.

Other candidates on the ballot include Akande Oluwasegun Samuel of the African Action Congress, Opeyemi Falegan of Accord, Ayodeji Ojo of the ADP, Bidemi Olaiya Awogbemi of the APP, Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin of the Labour Party, Abegunde Ayobami Blessing of the NNPP, Olaniyi Olanrewaju Ayodele of the PRP, Owoola Daramola of the YPP, Olu Omotoso of the AA, and Victor Damilola Adetunji of the ZLP.

Meanwhile, Joseph Anifowose of the Allied Peoples Movement has withdrawn from the race and reportedly endorsed Governor Oyebanji, citing his administration’s performance in infrastructure and social development.