Profiles of candidates in Ekiti 2026 governorship election

By Isa Isawade

Momentum is building in two Southwestern states ahead of the off-season governorship elections scheduled for June 20 in Ekiti and August 15 in Osun. These states are among eight in Nigeria that hold off-cycle polls, a consequence of electoral disputes dating back to the 2007 general elections, when the Appeal Court nullified victories of the People’s Democratic Party’s candidates.

Campaigns in Ekiti have been intense, marked by sharp rhetoric and occasional clashes. However, interventions by stakeholders have helped restore calm.

On May 21, 2026, the National Peace Committee (NPC), in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), convened a peace accord signing in Ado-Ekiti.

The event was witnessed by senior figures including Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), represented by Martin Luther Agwai; NPC Convener Matthew Hassan Kukah; Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu; and INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan. Candidates pledged to uphold peace before, during, and after the election.

INEC Chairman Amupitan urged parties to embody the spirit of the accord, noting Ekiti’s reputation for political consciousness and peaceful conduct. Agwai described the pact as a collective commitment to credible elections, while IGP Disu emphasized that contests should be about ideas, not conflict, assuring that security arrangements were in place.

Out of 13 political parties cleared by INEC, four have emerged as serious contenders: the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Candidate Profiles:

Abiodun Oyebanji (APC)

Incumbent Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, 58, seeks a second term. A native of Ikogosi-Ekiti, he is credited with achievements in education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and tourism. Oyebanji had served as the Secretary to the State Government. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Political Science from the Ondo State University (now Ekiti State University) and a Masters’ Degree (M.Sc) in International Relations & Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan. He was a lecturer and later a banker before venturing into full-time politics. He had held several political appointments before becoming governor in 2022. Oyebanji was also instrumental to the creation of Ekiti State as he was Secretary, Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State in 1996.

Oluwadare Bejide (ADC)

Ambassador Oluwadare Patrick Bejide is candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the June 20 Ekiti governorship election. The new party is already well known in Ekiti and boasting of carrying the day in the election. Its candidate is a seasoned politician with over 30 years of experience, having previously served as state secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in the old Ondo State. The 66-year-old politician is also the pioneer secretary of both the PDP and the UNDP in Ekiti. He has also held multiple terms as secretary to the Ekiti State Government and chaired the Federal Medical Centre as well as the UNHCR Board. His political career includes serving as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada and running with Prof. Tunde Adeniran during the 1999 governorship election. Bejide, a lawyer by profession, graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Law School for professional training. He was called to the Bar in 1985. He is known for his commitment to infrastructure and civil welfare.

Olajuyin Ikusayedegbe Oyebanji (Labour Party)
In Ekiti 2026 gubernatorial election, Labour is a fast-growing party that is giving the ruling APC a run for its money. This development, according to analysts, is not unconnected with the overwhelming influence of its governorship candidate, Professor Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin. The choice of Olajuyin, a respected medical expert and administrator, was greeted with cheers and optimism among party members who described him as a “credible and visionary leader capable of transforming Ekiti State.” The professor of medicine with over three decades of experience immediately after announcement of his victory at thr primaries declared that the Labour Party “has become the party to beat” in the forthcoming election. He added that Ekiti people were ready to embrace credible leadership driven by integrity, competence and compassion. He decried what he regarded as “the growing monetization of politics” and warned that the unfortunate trend undermines the core values of service and accountability. The 67-year-old professor from Ikere-Ekiti had served as Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State Specialist Hospital, now Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH). He is widely respected for his professionalism and dedication to public health. His supporters believe that his track record in the health sector will translate into effective leadership in governance. He urged the electorate to resist financial inducement during the election, saying ‎“The future of Ekiti is in our hands. We must choose wisely. My promise is to serve with humility and vision. Together, we can build an Ekiti that works for everyone.”

Blessing Abegunde Abayomi (NNPP)

At 35, Blessing Abegunde Abayomi represents the NNPP’s youthful appeal. An entrepreneur and engineer, he graduated with First Class Honours in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bowen University. He is also a professional accountant with experience in healthcare management. Abayomi promises to transform Ekiti through innovation and financial discipline, resonating strongly with younger voters.