Ekiti Governorship Election: Voters Decide Today
Voters in Ekiti State head to the polls today to elect their governor for the next four years. Fourteen candidates are contesting, but the race is widely seen as a two-way contest between incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Oyebanji, whose first term ends in October, is seeking re-election.
Other Candidates in the Race
The other candidates include Oluwadare Bejide (ADC), Oyebanji Olajuyin (LP), Blessing Abegunde (NNPP), Samuel Akande (AAC), Ayodeji Ojo (ADP), Opeyemi Felegan (Accord), Joseph Anifowose (APM), Bidemi Awogbemi (APP), Olaniyi Ayodele (PRP), Victor Adetunji (ZLP), Olu Omotosho (AA), and Ayodele Osinkolu (YPP). Unconfirmed reports suggest Osinkolu has withdrawn from the contest.
Voter Statistics and Polling Units
Ekiti has 1,059,360 registered voters, up from 989,224 in 2022 and 909,585 in 2018. However, only 1,028,929 voters who collected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are eligible. Voting will take place in 2,445 Polling Units across 177 wards in the state's 16 Local Government Areas.
Litmus Test for INEC and New Electoral Act
This election serves as a litmus test for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general election. It is also the first major poll since the amended Electoral Act 2026, signed by President Bola Tinubu in February, introduced new guidelines on election conduct.
INEC Chairman Assures Readiness
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan stated that the commission is ready for the election, which begins at 8:30 a.m. After inspecting mock accreditation exercises at selected polling units last week, Amupitan said all preparations are complete, including the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). He added that additional backup BVAS devices and technical support personnel have been deployed across all Registration Areas to promptly address any equipment malfunctions.
Security Measures in Place
On security, Amupitan noted that INEC identified 469 Polling Units as potential flashpoints but is working with security agencies to provide adequate protection. The police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have deployed thousands of personnel for the election. Amupitan, who is supervising his third election after Anambra and the FCT, expressed confidence in the security arrangements.
