Early on Saturday morning, voters in Ikogosi, Ekiti West, gathered at Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s polling unit as the state governorship election got underway. At Ward 6, Polling Unit 003, situated by the Oyebanji family home in Okelele, residents were observed verifying their registration details in anticipation of casting their votes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials reached the site, provided instructions on the voting process, and officially began accreditation and voting at approximately 8:30 a.m., confirming that sufficient materials were in place for a smooth process.

One resident, Aduke, expressed her readiness to participate after confirming her registration, encouraging others to do the same. Similarly, in Ado-Ekiti’s Oke Oriomi area, residents began arriving by 7 a.m. to check the voter register. Reports indicate that voters across various locations traveled significant distances to take part, while security personnel were promptly stationed at centers to ensure order and a peaceful election.

Sam Amadi, the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has labeled the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) anti-defection policy as “dubious”. This policy involves a newly introduced loyalty affidavit, which the party implemented to prevent elected officials from leaving after securing office on the NDC platform. According to National Chairman Moses Cleopas, the move was intended to preserve institutional integrity in response to the frequent trend of politicians deserting their sponsoring parties.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Today, June 20, 2026, Ekiti State heads to the polls for a pivotal off-cycle gubernatorial election overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Across the state’s 16 local government areas, 1.02 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots at 2,445 polling units to decide between fourteen contenders for the governorship.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the frontrunner, aiming to secure a second consecutive term—a feat never before achieved in Ekiti’s history. Having secured a decisive 187,057 votes in 2022, the Governor enters the contest with the full backing of an APC-dominated political landscape, which holds every National Assembly and State House of Assembly seat in the state. Despite this strength, the party faces some residual internal friction following its primary elections.

Key Challengers Several other figures are vying to unseat the incumbent, notably:

• ADC: Dare Babajide, a former Secretary to the State Government and ex-Ambassador to Canada, is running with the support of influential opposition figures, including former Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka.

• PDP: Dr. Wole Oluyede of Ikere-Ekiti represents the PDP, banking on his regional appeal as a candidate from the Ekiti South Senatorial District—a zone yet to produce a governor.

The Full Ballot In addition to the main contenders, the following candidates are also listed: 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).

Notably, Joseph Anifowose of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has formally withdrawn from the race, shifting his support to Governor Oyebanji based on the administration’s infrastructure and social service delivery.