On June 20, 2026, the people of Ekiti State will head to the polls to elect a governor who will lead the state for the next four years.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Jan. 19, 2026, cleared 12 candidates from different political parties to contest in the election. However, on June 11, 2026, INEC shared an updated list, adding the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Alliance Party (AA). This update brought the total number of candidates to 14.
From seasoned politicians and entrepreneurs to public servants and first-time contenders, each candidate brings unique experiences, ideas, and plans for Ekiti State’s future.
As voters prepare to decide who will occupy Oke Ayoba Government House, DUBAWA profiles the candidates seeking the state’s highest political office.
- Opeyemi Falegan (Accord Party)
Opeyemi Falegan is a 41-year-old politician, legislator, and community development advocate from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He is a former British military officer and the founder of the ODF Foundation, an organisation focused on empowering widows and supporting less privileged members of society.
Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Information Science from City University. His campaign highlights his commitment to grassroots development and social welfare. He is running alongside Omoyemi Olaleye.
- Abiodun Oyebanji (All Progressives Congress)
Biodun Oyebanji, the incumbent State governor, is seeking a second term with his running mate Monisade Afuye. Born on Dec. 21, 1967, in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Biodun is a public servant and businessman with decades of experience in government administration. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Ondo State University (now Ekiti State University) in 1989.
Oyebanji played a significant role in the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, serving as both a member and secretary of the committee responsible for the state’s creation. He later served as Secretary to the Government of Ekiti State.
- Oluwadare Bejide (African Democratic Congress)
Oluwadare Bejide represents the African Democratic Congress (ADC). A veteran politician, Bejide is one of the oldest candidates in the race.
Bejide emerged as the party’s flag bearer after defeating former Deputy Governor Professor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka in the party’s primary election. He was a Nigerian Ambassador to Canada and a former Secretary to the Ekiti State Government.
He studied Law at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and has served in public service at both the state and national levels for many years.
- Blessing Abegunde (New Nigeria People’s Party)
Blessing Abegunde is the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). At 35, Blessing is the youngest contender in the race and seeks to offer a fresh perspective on governance in Ekiti State. He is contesting alongside Francis Ajayi as his running mate.
He is also an entrepreneur, and his grassroots empowerment and advocacy are carried out through the Blessing Abegunde Movement (BAM). BAM is primarily dedicated to youth empowerment, accountable leadership, and community development.
- Ayodeji Ojo (Action Democratic Party)
Ayodeji Ojo is the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP). He is from Ikere-Ekiti, a major town in the Southern Senatorial District of Ekiti State.
The 42-year-old is contesting alongside Itunu Ibitoye, who is 35 years old, as his running mate.
- Olaniyi Ayodele (People’s Redemption Party)
Olaniyi Ayodele is the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Redemption Party in the June 20 election. The 49-year-old, who is from Ikere-Ekiti, is running with Modupe Adebiyi.
Olaniyi studied Food Science and Technology at Federal Polytechnic Offa and has built a career spanning business and agriculture. He is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of WITPARK Homes Ltd, a real estate development company.
Ayodele also served as the Ekiti State Coordinator of the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Produce Dealers, where he worked closely with local farmers and traders.
- Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele (Young Progressive Party)
Osinkolu Ayodele is the governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP). He is seeking to persuade voters with the party’s vision for development and governance in Ekiti State. His running mate is Arowolo Olusesan.
While he was initially listed as a YPP candidate, he emerged in May as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus candidate for the Ekiti North Senatorial District.
- Oluydele Olumayokun (People Democratic Party)
Oluyede Oluwole was listed as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the June 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election in INEC’s updated list.
Oluydele, born in 1964, is a medical doctor, entrepreneur, and politician. He is from Ikere-Ekiti. He studied Medicine at the University of Ilorin, where he obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree in 1986.
At age 27, he established the Bethany Clinic in Lagos before relocating abroad, where he practised medicine in the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, and Australia.
Oluyede previously contested the Ekiti governorship election and has served as a member of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, a think tank established to promote a knowledge-based economy in the state.
- Omotoso Olu (Action Alliance)
In May, Action Alliance announced Omotosho Olu as its gubernatorial candidate. The 64-year-old campaign agenda focuses on transforming education and healthcare, promoting youth inclusion and technological development, strengthening social security, encouraging local content, and implementing proactive policies aligned with global trends while ensuring government transparency.
His educational background includes a First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC), a West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, an Advanced Certificate (ADV), and a Diploma.
- Akande Oluwasegun (African Action Congress)
Akande Oluwasegun flies the flag of the African Action Congress (AAC). At 36, he is running with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe as his deputy.
- Oyebanji Olajuyin (Labour Party)
Oyebanji Olajuyin is the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, running alongside Ayokunle Okumade as his deputy governorship candidate.
Oyebanji was born on April 5, 1958, in Ikere-Ekiti, located in the Ekiti South Senatorial District. The 67-year-old obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Ibadan and went on to build a distinguished career in medicine.
With more than three decades of professional and administrative experience, Olajuyin previously served as the Chief Medical Director of the former Ekiti State Specialist Hospital, now known as Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.
- Joseph Anifowose (Allied People’s Movement)
Joseph Anifowose is contesting under the Allied People’s Movement (APM). His running mate is Margaret Ilesanmi. The 65-year-old, however, has withdrawn from the race and declared support for Biodun Oyebanji, the current governor.
- Victor Adetunji (Zenith Labour Party)
Victor Adetunji represents the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the governorship election. At 38, he is running alongside Adesina Oyeniyi as his deputy governorship candidate.
- Bidemi Awogbemi (Action People’s Party)
Bidemi Awogbemi is the candidate of the Action People’s Party (APP). At 36, he is seeking to govern the state. His running mate is Akinyemi Adewumi.