Ekiti 2026: Major Parties Battle for Votes Ahead of Election

As Ekiti State prepares for its governorship election on June 20, the contest is set to be a significant test of political strength and public sentiment. Abiodun Nejo reports that this election will show how aware the voters are in a state known for its political engagement.

With less than two weeks to go, the atmosphere in Ekiti is buzzing with excitement. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are ramping up their campaigns. This election is crucial for the future of the state.

Sunday PUNCH learned that over one million registered voters will decide the election's outcome. This election is not just about Ekiti State, but it could also affect political strategies for the 2027 general elections.

While 15 political parties are in the race, it has mostly come down to three main contenders: incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC, Dr Wole Oluyede of the PDP, and Dare Bejide of the ADC. These three have been actively campaigning across the state’s 177 wards and 16 local government areas.

The stakes are high. It is not just about who becomes governor but also about the direction Ekiti will take in the next four years.

One noticeable thing this election season is how peaceful the campaigns have been. Political parties and candidates signed a Peace Accord on May 21, organized by the National Peace Committee. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and civil society groups were present.

Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar (retd), chairman of the National Peace Committee, represented by Gen. Martin Agwai (retd), said the accord shows a shared commitment to peaceful elections.

Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, also emphasized the need for peace. He stressed that elections should be about ideas, not conflict. He assured voters that there would be enough security before, during, and after the election.

For INEC, this election is another chance to show they are ready. They said they are almost done with preparations, and only sensitive materials need to be distributed before the election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, shared that 1,059,360 registered voters are eligible to vote. Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, has reassured everyone of a transparent and credible process.

For the APC, the election is not just about retaining power; it is a chance to create history. They believe that Governor Oyebanji’s achievements in various sectors like infrastructure, health, and education have made him popular across the state.

Segun Dipe, Co-Director of Publicity and Media for the Biodun Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, stated, "We are the strongest party in all the 177 wards and 16 local governments in Ekiti State. Our party has the strongest structure and visible things on ground to show, so we are the party to beat. Others can talk about what they can do, but we are talking about what is seen."

The APC aims to secure more than 500,000 votes. They believe this will show how popular Oyebanji is and strengthen the party's hold in the state.

Dipe said, "I can assure you that we are not just chasing victory, we are chasing history and that is why we have a target of over 500,000 votes which we are working to meet."

He added, "We want to win by landslide, a situation whereby the losers will be too weak to go to court to challenge the outcome."

Governor Oyebanji is focusing on continuity in his campaign. He argues that the work done under his Shared Prosperity Agenda needs another term to solidify the gains.

During every campaign event, Oyebanji said that all areas of Ekiti have benefited from development efforts since 2022. He believes continuity in governance is vital for growth and improved living conditions for citizens.

Supporters of the governor feel that the election is about continuing progress rather than changing direction.

On the other hand, the PDP views this election as a chance for Ekiti voters to reject what they see as a failing administration and support a new development plan under Oluyede.

The party claims that under the APC’s confidence lies public dissatisfaction with governance.

Sanya Atofarati, Director of Media for the Wole Oluyede Campaign Council, said, "Ekiti State is predominantly a PDP state. You will find PDP in every local government, ward, unit, village and town you visit in Ekiti State."

He added that Oluyede’s 10-point development agenda, titled “My Contract with Ekiti,” focuses on mechanized agriculture, industrial growth, job creation, education, and healthcare reforms.

Atofarati believes that the enthusiasm seen during their campaign signifies growing support for Oluyede. "They will demonstrate this with their votes on June 20. The people are not coerced; the love is genuine because they are tired of the Oyebanji government."

Oluyede has argued for economic growth through production and investment rather than high taxes. He promises to invest in roads, electricity, and water infrastructure, which he says are major barriers to progress.

His supporters believe that Ekiti voters are ready for change and will use this election to show their dissatisfaction with the current government.

While the focus has been on the APC and PDP, the ADC claims to be a real alternative. Bejide, their candidate, is campaigning on security, youth employment, and agricultural development.

ADC leaders believe many voters are looking for a new option to deal with ongoing issues. Gboyega Aribisogan, Bejide’s campaign spokesperson, said the ADC's strength comes from public frustration over governance.

Bejide’s campaign highlights insecurity, unemployment, and economic opportunities. He promises to use tech solutions against banditry and strengthen community security.

He also plans large youth employment programs, mechanized farming, and skill acquisition centers across local government areas.

Aribisogan said, "The people have made us understand that in spite of all the noise, there are no tangible achievements of this administration."

For ADC supporters, this election is a chance to break the hold of the two main parties and bring in a different way of governing.

As election day nears, Sunday PUNCH notes several factors will influence the outcome. First is incumbency. Governor Oyebanji has the advantages of being in office, like visibility and established support.

Second is how voters see the government’s performance. While APC points to achievements, both PDP and ADC argue many residents do not feel the benefits of government programs.

Another important factor is how well the parties are organized. Grassroots support has historically played a big role in elections in Ekiti, and turning campaign excitement into votes will be key.

Security and the credibility of the electoral process are also vital. The promises made by INEC, security agencies, and election observers have built confidence, but everyone will be watching to ensure these promises are kept on election day.