The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the provisional list of candidates for the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026. Notably absent from this list is Dr. Wole Oluyede, the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with his running mate.
The list, posted by INEC at its office on New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, includes candidates from 12 political parties vying for the state’s top position. The All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, along with Monisade Afuye as his running mate. Other notable candidates include Opeyemi Falegan of the Accord Party, paired with Omoyemi Olaleye, and Akande Oluwasegun from the African Action Congress, who will run with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe.
Additionally, representatives from the Action Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Action Peoples Party, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, People’s Redemption Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party are also set to contest in the election.
The absence of the PDP from the candidates’ list is closely linked to the ongoing leadership crisis currently afflicting the party at the national level. Disagreements and legal challenges regarding the party’s leadership have created significant turmoil, leading to INEC’s decision to exclude the PDP from this crucial electoral process. The commission has indicated that it will update the list of candidates on January 19, 2026.
