The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released results from eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the 2026 Ekiti state governorship election, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) holding a commanding lead. The APC and its candidate, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, have secured 158,579 votes so far, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trails with 25,983 votes, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has 6,569 votes.
Current Vote Tally After Eight LGAs
As of the latest announcement, the APC leads with 158,579 votes, followed by the PDP with 25,983 votes, and the ADC with 6,569 votes. The collation of results began on Sunday morning, June 21, at the state collation centre in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Collation Process and Key Officials
The returning officer for the Ekiti governorship election is Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology. She is overseeing the announcement of results from each local government area. Ekiti state, created in 1996, has a total of 16 LGAs, meaning results from eight more LGAs are yet to be declared.
Deputy Governor Comments on Election Conduct
Earlier, Monisade Afuye, the deputy governor of Ekiti state, cast her vote and expressed satisfaction with the electoral process. According to Legit.ng, she commended residents for their large turnout, stating it reflected growing political awareness and commitment to democratic participation. She also expressed confidence in the APC's chances of victory.
Background and Context
The Ekiti governorship election is a key political contest in Nigeria's South-West region. Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the APC candidate, is seeking re-election. The PDP candidate is Wole Oluyede, while the ADC fielded a candidate as well. The election is being closely watched as a test of party strength in the state.
