The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti state governorship election in Efon Local Government Area (LGA). The declaration, made in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, 2026, dealt a significant blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the LGA is the home local government of the PDP governorship candidate, Olumayokun Oluwole Oluyede.
APC Secures Landslide Victory in Efon LGA
According to the results announced by INEC, the APC and its candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, secured 8,742 votes, while the PDP managed only 2,051 votes. This outcome represents a commanding win for the ruling party in an area where the PDP candidate was expected to have strong support. The margin of victory underscores the APC's dominance in the LGA, with the party outperforming the PDP by more than four to one.
The 2026 Ekiti state governorship election has been widely described as peaceful, despite isolated reports of vote-buying and other irregularities. Observers noted that the process was largely orderly, with citizens turning out to exercise their franchise. However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the influence of money in the electoral process, calling for stricter enforcement of anti-vote-buying laws.
Collation Continues as National Attention Shifts to Ekiti
As collation of results progresses at INEC's headquarters on Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, the national spotlight remains fixed on the key southwestern state. The outcome of the 2026 governorship election is being closely watched by political analysts and party loyalists alike, as it could have implications for the broader political landscape in Nigeria. The final state-wide result is expected to be announced by INEC after all LGAs have been collated.
The PDP's defeat in Efon LGA is particularly notable given that Oluyede hails from Efon-Alaaye within the LGA. This result may indicate a lack of cohesion within the PDP's support base or a strong incumbency advantage for the APC. Political observers will be analyzing the data to understand the dynamics at play.
Election Peaceful Despite Vote-Buying Complaints
While the election was generally peaceful, there were complaints about vote-buying in some areas. Civil society organizations and election monitors reported instances of inducement of voters, although the scale was not believed to be widespread. INEC officials stated that they would investigate any credible reports of electoral malpractice.
The APC's strong performance in Efon LGA adds to its tally as collation continues. With results from other LGAs still pending, the overall winner of the Ekiti governorship election will be determined once all votes are counted. The declaration of the final result is anticipated within the coming hours.
This development marks a critical moment in the 2026 Ekiti election, as the PDP candidate's failure to carry his home LGA raises questions about his appeal and the party's electoral strategy. The APC, meanwhile, will be buoyed by this result as it seeks to retain control of the state.
