Ekiti Decide 2026: INEC Releases Final List of Candidates—-The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates cleared to contest the June 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election, setting the stage for a multi-party contest involving 12 political parties.

The list, signed by INEC National Commissioner, Rose Oraran-Anthony, shows that candidates will be vying for the governorship seat alongside their running mates, with qualifications ranging from primary school certificates to doctorate degrees.

According to the commission, the approved candidates include representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and several other parties.

The incumbent governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, 58, will be contesting on the platform of the APC, with Monisade Afuye, 67, as the deputy governorship candidate.

The Labour Party is presenting Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji, 67, as its governorship candidate, with legal practitioner Okumade Ayokunle Odumayo as his running mate.

Among the younger contenders is Abegunde Ayobami Blessing of the NNPP, aged 35, while the AAC has nominated Akande Oluwasegun Samuel, 36, with John Fajuyigbe Oluwasanmi as deputy.

Other candidates include Bejide Oluwadare Patrick (ADC), Ojo Ayodeji (ADP), Anifowose Joseph Olanrewaju (APM), Awogbemi Bidemi Olaiya (APP), Ayodele Olaniyi Olanrewaju Praise (PRP), Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele (YPP), and Adetunji Victor Damilola (ZLP).

INEC’s document also highlights the wide disparity in educational backgrounds among the candidates and their deputies, a development that has already sparked conversations among political observers and voters in the state.

With the final list now public, political parties are expected to intensify campaigns ahead of the governorship poll, which is seen as a critical test of voter sentiment in Ekiti State amid economic hardship, governance concerns, and growing youth political engagement.

INEC has reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election, warning parties and candidates to adhere strictly to electoral laws and campaign regulations.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had fixed the governorship elections in Ekiti states for Saturday, June 20

JUST IN: Dele Momodu Joins ADC After Atiku’s Defection—-Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, will on Thursday, January 15, 2026, formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in what marks his latest move within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving opposition politics.

Momodu, a close political ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is among prominent opposition figures championing the formation of a broad-based political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The opposition coalition, still in its early stages, is expected to draw politicians from across party lines who argue that only a united front can effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and strengthen democratic governance in the country.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Ovation Magazine publisher expressed enthusiasm ahead of his defection, describing it as a “homecoming” and calling on Nigerians to support what he termed a rescue mission for the nation’s democracy.

“It’s a homecoming for me because all politics, they say, is local. Tomorrow, I will formally join the ADC, and as a proud son of Edo State, I will be paying homage to our elders, some of whom have already joined us in the ADC,” he said.

Momodu added that notable leaders, including former APC National Chairman John Oyegun and ex-federal lawmaker Yisa Braimoh, would be present at the event. He also disclosed plans to visit his village after the declaration to celebrate with supporters.

The veteran journalist said his decision to join the ADC aligns with the broader opposition effort to build a formidable coalition capable of challenging President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, noting that a fragmented opposition stands little chance against an incumbent administration.

Calling on Nigerians to rise above partisan divisions, Momodu warned against what he described as the emergence of a one-man dictatorship.

Momodu stressed that his defection was not driven by personal ambition but by national interest, insisting that safeguarding democracy must remain a collective responsibility.