Ekiti governorship election: Three contenders, one prize

With only a few days to the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, political activities have intensified across the state’s 16 local government areas.

Political parties are making final efforts to win support as voters prepare to elect a governor who will lead the state for the next four years.

Although 15 political parties are participating in the election, political observers believe the contest is mainly between the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

APC and Oyebanji Seek Re-election

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the APC is widely seen as the frontrunner. He won the 2022 governorship election with 187,057 votes, defeating Segun Oni of the SDP and Bisi Kolawole of the PDP.

During his first term, Oyebanji’s administration focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, economic growth, and social welfare through its six-point Shared Prosperity Agenda. Many residents believe his government has improved the lives of civil servants, pensioners, youths, artisans, women, and vulnerable groups.

His re-election bid has received support from several prominent figures, including former governors Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, and Segun Oni. Senior lawyers Afe Babalola and Wole Olanipekun have also endorsed him.

The APC enjoys a strong political structure in the state, controlling all nine National Assembly seats, 26 seats in the State House of Assembly, all 16 local government councils, and 22 Local Council Development Areas.

However, some dissatisfaction exists within the party following recent primaries, where several lawmakers failed to secure tickets for another term.

If re-elected, Oyebanji would become the first governor in Ekiti State to win two consecutive terms.

PDP’s Oluyede Faces Tough Challenge

The PDP candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, is hoping to revive the party’s fortunes despite internal divisions that have weakened its position in recent years.

Oluyede, from Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti South Senatorial District, has contested previous governorship elections under different political platforms. His hometown is one of the state’s largest voting centres and could provide strong support for his campaign.

Some voters also support the idea of power shifting to Ekiti South, as no governor has emerged from the district since the state’s creation.

However, Oluyede faces a major obstacle. Former Governor Ayodele Fayose, one of the PDP’s most influential leaders in Ekiti, has openly endorsed Governor Oyebanji of the APC. Political analysts believe this has weakened the PDP’s chances.

Oluyede’s running mate, Deji Ogunsakin, is expected to help attract votes in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital and largest voting area.

ADC Hopes to Upset the Major Parties

The ADC candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, is also considered a serious contender. A former Secretary to the State Government and former Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Bejide has presented himself as an alternative to both the APC and PDP.

The party gained attention after several opposition politicians adopted it as a coalition platform. Among its notable members are former Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, former Commissioner for Information Akin Omole, and businessman Funsho Ayeni.

Despite these high-profile figures, the ADC lacks the extensive grassroots network enjoyed by the APC and PDP. Analysts say this could make it difficult for the party to convert its popularity into votes across the state.

Bejide’s running mate, Ayodeji Babatola, is expected to strengthen the party’s support in Ado-Ekiti.

What to Expect

As Ekiti voters head to the polls on June 20, the APC appears to have the advantage due to incumbency, strong political structures, and widespread endorsements.

However, the final outcome will depend on voter turnout, public sentiment, and election-day developments.

The election is also expected to serve as an important test of Nigeria’s electoral system under the Electoral Act 2026 and could provide clues about political trends ahead of the 2027 general elections.