The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates cleared to contest the June 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, setting the stage for a keenly contested multi-party race involving 12 political parties.
Naijaonpoint reports that the list, which was signed by INEC National Commissioner, Mrs Rose Oraran-Anthony, shows that all cleared candidates will contest the election alongside their respective running mates.
According to the commission, the educational qualifications of the candidates and their deputies range from primary school certificates to doctorate degrees, highlighting a wide disparity that has already sparked conversations among voters and political observers in the state.
INEC stated that candidates were cleared from parties including the All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, African Democratic Congress, Action Democratic Party, Zenith Labour Party, Young Progressives Party and other political parties.
The incumbent governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, 58, will be seeking re-election on the platform of the APC, with his current deputy, Monisade Afuye, 67, retained as his running mate.
The Labour Party is fielding Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji, 67, as its governorship candidate, alongside legal practitioner, Okumade Ayokunle Odumayo, as deputy governorship candidate.
Among the younger contenders is Abegunde Ayobami Blessing of the NNPP, aged 35, reflecting growing youth participation in the state’s political space.
The African Action Congress has also nominated a relatively young candidate, Akande Oluwasegun Samuel, 36, with John Fajuyigbe Oluwasanmi as his running mate.
Other cleared candidates include Bejide Oluwadare Patrick of the ADC, Ojo Ayodeji of the ADP, Anifowose Joseph Olanrewaju of the APM, Awogbemi Bidemi Olaiya of the APP, Ayodele Olaniyi Olanrewaju Praise of the PRP, Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele of the YPP, and Adetunji Victor Damilola of the ZLP.
With the release of the final list, political parties are expected to intensify campaigns ahead of the election, which many observers see as a critical test of voter sentiment in Ekiti State amid economic hardship, governance concerns and increasing youth political engagement.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election, warning political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act and guidelines on campaigns.
The commission had earlier fixed Saturday, June 20, for the conduct of the Ekiti State governorship election.