From 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, residents of Ekiti State will head to 2,445 polling units to elect their next governor. With over one million registered voters, the election is expected to be a critical test of political strength in the state. Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking a second term, facing 13 other candidates.
Overview of the Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that more than one million voters are registered for this election, an increase from the approximately 900,000 registered in the previous election. Voting will take place across all 16 local government areas and 177 wards. Among the 14 contestants, Governor Oyebanji, 58, is the APC flagbearer. The Labour Party (LP) has fielded Olajuyin Oyebanji, 67, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate is Wole Oluyede. Other candidates include David Falegan (Accord), Olu Omotosho (Action Alliance), Patrick Bejide (African Democratic Congress), Ayodeji Ojo (ADP), Olarenwaju Anifowose (APM), Olaiya Awogbemi (Action Peoples Party), Praise Ayodele (PRP), Ayodele Osinkolu (YPP), Damilola Adetunji (ZLP), Abegunde Blessing (NNPP), and Akande Samuel (AAC).
Unlike the closely contested 2022 election, political analysts view this year’s race as a more predictable outcome in favor of the incumbent. Below are three reasons the APC is expected to win the 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
1. The Power of Incumbency
Governor Oyebanji benefits significantly from the advantages of incumbency, including control over state resources, visibility, and the ability to implement policies that resonate with voters. His administration has emphasized infrastructure development, education, and healthcare, which have garnered positive feedback from residents. The APC’s political machinery, combined with the governor’s performance record, gives the party a strong edge over challengers.
2. Widespread Endorsements
The APC has secured endorsements from key political figures, including former governors from opposing parties. Notably, former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, a PDP stalwart, publicly endorsed Governor Oyebanji for a second term in July 2025. Speaking at an APC rally in Ado-Ekiti, Fayose stated, “I hereby endorse publicly, without reservation, President Bola Tinubu for a second term. I also endorse our governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy for a second term.” This cross-party support signals broad acceptance of Oyebanji’s leadership.
Additionally, former Governor Kayode Fayemi, a member of the APC, has thrown his weight behind Oyebanji. Fayemi remarked, “What I am saying is that as for me and my entire family, we are for Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s second term in office. We have all agreed that our governor is an 'Omoluabi' who has performed exceedingly well within the last two years. And we all agreed that if we support him as our candidate, the people of Ekiti will joyfully follow us.” Beyond these prominent figures, dozens of grassroots political groups in Ekiti have also declared support for the APC candidate.
3. Strong Grassroots Structures
The APC’s organizational strength at the grassroots level is a decisive factor. Governor Oyebanji has cultivated deep networks across all 16 local government areas and 177 wards, ensuring effective voter mobilization. Political analysts and pre-election polls indicate that the APC’s ground game is superior to that of its rivals. This structural advantage is expected to translate into higher voter turnout for the party on election day.
Public affairs analyst Donald Okwuosa, in a previous analysis, predicted that Governor Oyebanji would win re-election, citing the incumbent’s performance, endorsements, and grassroots support. Okwuosa stated, “Governor Oyebanji of the ruling All Progressives Congress will emerge victorious in the election.”
As Ekiti State prepares for the June 20 vote, the APC appears well-positioned to retain the governorship, leveraging incumbency, broad endorsements, and a robust grassroots network.
