PDP Absent as INEC Publishes Provisional List for 2026 Ekiti Governorship Race

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the provisional list of candidates for the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

The list, published on Wednesday, features governorship and deputy governorship candidates from 12 political parties. Notably absent, however, is the state’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

According to the commission, the All Progressives Congress has fielded the incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji, with Monisade Afuye as his running mate.

Other candidates on the provisional list include:

· Opeyemi Falegan of the Accord Party, paired with Omoyemi Olaleye.

· Akande Oluwasegun of the African Action Congress, contesting with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe.

· Ayodeji Ojo of the Action Democratic Party, with Itunu Ibitoye as deputy.

· The African Democratic Congress ticket is occupied by Oluwadare Bejide and Paul Olowoyeye.

· The Action People’s Party is fielding Bidemi Awogbemi and Akinyemi Adewumi.

Also listed are candidates from the Allied People’s Movement, Labour Party, New Nigeria People’s Party, People’s Redemption Party, Young Progressive Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

INEC stated that the provisional list is subject to updates in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022. The commission is expected to publish a revised list by January 19, 2026, following the resolution of substitutions and any pending legal matters by the political parties.

The absence of the PDP from the initial list raises questions about the party’s candidate selection process, internal disputes, or compliance with INEC’s submission guidelines as the state prepares for the 2026 polls.