JUST IN: INEC Releases Final List Of Candidates For Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates cleared to participate in the June 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, officially kickstarting what is expected to be a highly competitive contest among 12 political parties.

According to Ireporter Online, the document, signed by INEC National Commissioner Mrs Rose Oraran-Anthony, confirms that all approved candidates will contest the election alongside their respective running mates.

The commission noted that the educational qualifications of the candidates and their deputies vary significantly, ranging from primary school certificates to doctorate degrees, a disparity that has already generated debate among voters and political analysts across the state.

INEC disclosed that candidates were cleared 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, aged 58, will seek a second term on the platform of the APC, retaining his deputy, Monisade Afuye, 67, as his running mate.

The Labour Party has nominated Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji, 67, as its governorship candidate, with legal practitioner Okumade Ayokunle Odumayo standing as the party’s deputy governorship candidate.

Highlighting increasing youth participation in the state’s political landscape, the NNPP is fielding 35-year-old Abegunde Ayobami Blessing as its governorship candidate.

Similarly, the African Action Congress has presented a youthful contender in Akande Oluwasegun Samuel, aged 36, who will run alongside John Fajuyigbe Oluwasanmi as his deputy.

Other candidates cleared by the electoral body include Bejide Oluwadare Patrick of the ADC, Ojo Ayodeji of the ADP, Anifowose Joseph Olanrewaju of the APM, Awogbemi Bidemi Olaiya of the APP, Ayodele Olaniyi Olanrewaju Praise of the PRP, Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele of the YPP, and Adetunji Victor Damilola of the ZLP.

With the release of the final list, political parties are expected to intensify campaign activities ahead of the election, which observers describe as a key measure of voter mood in Ekiti State amid economic pressures, governance challenges and rising youth engagement in politics.

INEC reiterated its resolve to conduct a free, fair and credible election, cautioning political parties and candidates to strictly comply with the Electoral Act and established campaign guidelines.

The commission has scheduled the Ekiti State governorship election to hold on Saturday, June 20, 2026.