With the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State fast approaching, major political parties have now concluded their primaries and produced flag bearers who will challenge for the state’s top seat.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had earlier adopted Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its consensus candidate, setting the stage for what promises to be a heated race across party lines.
In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Wole Oluyede emerged victorious in a closely contested primary, polling 279 votes to defeat Funso Ayeni, who garnered 239 votes, and Theresa Ogun, who secured 27 votes. The exercise, however, was not without controversy, as delegates from Ido/Osi Local Government protested their exclusion from the process.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) also concluded its primary with David Bankole emerging as the party’s governorship candidate after other aspirants stepped down in his favour.
For the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Secretary to the State Government Dare Bejide won the ticket with 15,466 votes, defeating former deputy governor Olusola Eleka, who scored 12,003 votes.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) produced Blessing Abegunde as its standard-bearer through a unanimous decision by party delegates, while the Accord Party elected entrepreneur Opeyemi Falegan as its candidate.
Party leaders across the state have since called for unity and peaceful campaigns as the political climate begins to heat up ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
Observers say with all major and emerging parties now presenting candidates, Ekiti voters will have a wide range of choices at the polls. Analysts also predict that the contest could be one of the most competitive in the state’s recent history, given the calibre of aspirants and the growing interest in issues of governance, infrastructure, and youth development.