Ekiti State voters head to the polls today, June 20, 2026, for an off-cycle governorship election organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to reports from Naija Brain, voting will take place across all 16 local government areas.
A total of 1.02 million registered voters spanning 2,445 polling units will decide the race, which features 14 candidates. The incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is seeking re-election to secure a historic consecutive second term.
Oyebanji, who won the 2022 election with 187,057 votes, enters the race as the frontrunner. His party, the APC, currently dominates Ekiti's political landscape, holding all nine National Assembly seats, all 26 State House of Assembly seats, and all 16 local government councils and 22 LCDAs. However, the governor faces potential friction from lingering internal party tensions after several incumbent lawmakers lost their tickets during the primaries.
ADC – Dare Bejide
Leading the ticket for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in today’s election is Dare Babajide, a seasoned diplomat who previously served as Secretary to the State Government and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada. Babajide enters the race with strong momentum, backed by a coalition of opposition heavyweights including former Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, ex-Information Commissioner Akin Omole, and prominent businessman Funsho Ayeni.
PDP – Wole Oluyede
Leading the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the contest is Dr. Wole Oluyede. Hailing from Ikere-Ekiti—one of the state's largest voting blocs—Oluyede's candidacy taps into strong regional sentiment, as the Ekiti South Senatorial District has never produced a governor since the state's creation.
Other candidates
Other candidates on the ballot include Akande Oluwasegun Samuel (AAC), Opeyemi Falegan (Accord), Ayodeji Ojo (ADP), Bidemi Olaiya Awogbemi (APP), Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin (Labour Party), Abegunde Ayobami Blessing (NNPP), Olaniyi Olanrewaju Ayodele (PRP), Owoola Daramola (YPP), Olu Omotoso (AA), and Victor Damilola Adetunji (ZLP). Meanwhile, Joseph Anifowose of the Allied
Peoples Movement (APM) has withdrawn from the race to endorse Governor Oyebanji, pointing to his strong track record in infrastructure and social services.