The race for Ekiti State’s governorship on June 20, 2026, is shaping up to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched off-cycle elections. Four major political parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC)—have fielded candidates with diverse backgrounds ranging from seasoned politicians to youthful innovators.
With peace accords signed and campaigns in full swing, the contest promises to test Ekiti’s reputation for political consciousness and peaceful conduct. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cleared 13 parties, but these four stand out as the main contenders.
Leading Candidates and Their Profiles
Abiodun Oyebanji – APC
Age: 58
Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
Qualification: B.Sc. Political Science (Ondo State University), M.Sc. International Relations & Strategic Studies (University of Ibadan)
Profile: Current Governor of Ekiti, seeking a second term. Known for achievements in education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and tourism. He played a key role in the creation of Ekiti State in 1996 and has served as lecturer, banker, and Secretary to the State Government before becoming governor in 2022.
Oluwadare Bejide – ADC
Age: 66
Party: African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Qualification: Law degree from University of Ife (OAU), called to the Bar in 1985
Profile: Ambassador Bejide is a seasoned politician with over 30 years of experience. He has served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada, secretary to Ekiti State Government, and chaired the UNHCR Board. His campaign focuses on infrastructure and civil welfare.
Olajuyin Ikusayedegbe Oyebanji – Labour Party
Age: 67
Party: Labour Party (LP)
Qualification: Professor of Medicine, with decades of experience in public health administration
Profile: Former Chief Medical Director of Ekiti State Specialist Hospital (now EKSUTH). Widely respected for his dedication to healthcare. He has promised to resist “the growing monetization of politics” and pledged to serve with humility and vision. His supporters see him as a credible leader capable of transforming Ekiti.
Blessing Abegunde Abayomi – NNPP
Age: 35
Party: New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)
Qualification: First Class Honours in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Bowen University); also a professional accountant
Profile: Youngest of the major contenders. An entrepreneur and engineer, Abayomi appeals strongly to younger voters. His campaign promises focus on innovation, financial discipline, and modernising Ekiti’s economy.
Peace Accord and Election Atmosphere
The National Peace Committee (NPC), INEC, and security agencies have urged candidates to uphold peace. INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan highlighted Ekiti’s reputation for political consciousness, while IGP Tunji Disu assured that contests should be about ideas, not conflict. Ekiti’s election is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with candidates ranging from seasoned politicians to youthful innovators. Each contender brings unique strengths and promises, reflecting the diverse aspirations of the electorate.
Appeal Court Affirms Oyebanji’s Candidacy
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed the appeal filed by a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abimbola Olawumi, who had challenged the candidacy of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti ahead of the governorship election. In a unanimous verdict on Thursday, June 18, Justice Adebukola Banjoko-led three-member panel of the appeal court said that the appeal of the APC member was incomplete. According to the appellate court, the brief of argument filed by Olawumi contravened the rules of the court because it exceeded the allowed number of briefs, and the appeal was not supported by any arguments. Thus, it was deemed incompetent.
