THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the provisional list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conspicuously absent from the list.
The list, which was seen by News Point Nigeria on Monday, displayed at the INEC state office located along New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
According to the commission, the provisional list features candidates from 12 registered political parties, all of whom successfully submitted their nomination forms within the stipulated timeframe.
Leading the field is the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is presenting the incumbent governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, aged 58, as its governorship candidate. He is running alongside Mrs. Monisade Afuye, 67, the current deputy governor, who is seeking re-election.
Other notable contenders include Opeyemi Falegan (41) of the Accord Party, whose running mate is Omoyemi Olaleye (42); Akande Oluwasegun (36) of the African Action Congress (AAC), with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe as his deputy; and Ayodeji Ojo (42) of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), paired with Itunu Ibitoye (35).
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is fielding Oluwadare Bejide (66) as its governorship candidate, alongside Paul Olowoyeye (52) as deputy. Similarly, the Action People’s Party (APP) is presenting Bidemi Awogbemi (36) and Akinyemi Adewumi (53) as its governorship and deputy governorship candidates, respectively.
Other political parties whose candidates appear on the provisional list include the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
However, the absence of the PDP from the list has drawn attention and sparked political reactions across the state. The party had earlier indicated its intention to field Dr. Wole Oluyede as its governorship candidate.
Sources within INEC told News Point Nigeria that the PDP’s omission was linked to unresolved internal leadership disputes and ongoing court cases, which prevented the party from meeting the commission’s requirements for candidate submission.
INEC officials explained that until the legal issues surrounding the party’s leadership are resolved, the commission cannot recognise or publish its candidates.
The electoral body also noted that the provisional list remains subject to updates, clarifying that political parties are still allowed to make substitutions in line with the law.
INEC stated that the final list of candidates will be published on January 19, 2026, as stipulated by the Electoral Act 2022, after all legal and administrative processes have been concluded.