PDP Absent As INEC Releases Provisional List Of 2026 Ekiti Governorship Candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday released the provisional list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State election.

The list, displayed at the INEC office along New Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, includes contenders from 12 political parties.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji (58) with Monisade Afuye (67) as his running mate. Other notable candidates include Opeyemi Falegan (41) of the Accord Party with Omoyemi Olaleye (42); Akande Oluwasegun (36) of the African Action Congress alongside Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe; and Ayodeji Ojo (42) of the Action Democratic Party with Itunu Ibitoye (35).

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated Oluwadare Bejide (66) with Paul Olowoyeye (52), while the Action People’s Party (APP) presents Bidemi Awogbemi (36) and Akinyemi Adewumi (53). Other parties listed include the Allied People’s Movement, Labour Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, People’s Redemption Party, Young Progressive Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

Notably, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates, Dr. Wole Oluyede and his deputy, were absent from the provisional list. INEC sources said the omission stems from unresolved court cases related to the party’s leadership.

INEC has confirmed that the list will be updated on January 19, 2026, in line with the Electoral Act 2022, as parties finalise substitutions and resolve outstanding legal issues ahead of the polls.