The people of Ekiti State are preparing to elect a new governor in the upcoming Saturday governorship election. Sixteen candidates are vying for the position, including the incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji. The election will involve 1,059,360 registered voters, an increase of 66,000 compared to the 2022 governorship election.
Major Contenders in the Election
Among the 16 political parties participating, three are considered the major contenders: the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, political analysis suggests that the PDP may finish third in the election.
Why the APC Is Favored to Win
The APC, as the ruling party in Ekiti State, holds significant advantages. It controls both federal and state machinery, including all State House of Assembly members and federal lawmakers from the state. This dominance gives the APC a strong structural edge over the opposition.
Why the ADC May Outperform the PDP
The ADC has gained momentum after being adopted as the party of a coalition movement led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also the ADC's presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Additionally, the ADC enjoys the backing of Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun State and national secretary of the party. Aregbesola is a influential figure in southwest politics, and a strong performance in Ekiti would bolster the ADC's standing.
PDP's Internal Crises Weaken the Party
The PDP is facing internal strife at both the state and national levels. Many of its prominent leaders in Ekiti have publicly endorsed Governor Oyebanji, who is running under the ADC. Notably, Ayodele Fayose, the highest-ranking PDP leader in Ekiti, has openly supported Oyebanji and attended his campaign events. This defection of key figures has weakened the PDP's chances in the election.
UK to Monitor Ekiti and Osun Elections
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has announced that the United Kingdom will deploy observers to monitor the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections. Montgomery made this known during a visit to the APC national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. The UK stated that it respects Nigeria's sovereignty but has a keen interest in the country's democratic and economic progress.
