BREAKING: INEC EXCLUDES PDP FROM EKITI GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the provisional list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, but the list conspicuously omits the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidates.

The list, displayed on Monday at the INEC office along New Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, features contenders from 12 political parties. The All Progressives Congress (APC), governing party in the state, is fielding incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji (58) with Monisade Afuye (67) as his running mate. Other parties on the list include the Accord Party, African Action Congress (AAC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action People’s Party (APP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is notably absent from the list — despite having earlier conducted a primary and produced Dr. Wole Oluyede as its governorship candidate.

According to INEC officials and sources at the state headquarters, the PDP’s exclusion is believed to be linked to the ongoing leadership crisis within the party, which has led to conflicting factions and unresolved court cases over party leadership and nominations. Until these legal issues are resolved, the electoral body has not recognised the party’s candidate submissions.

Political stakeholders in Ekiti have reacted with concern, noting that the absence of a key opposition party from the provisional list could have significant implications for the electoral contest. INEC may update or finalise the list once the legal disputes are settled in accordance with the electoral timetable and legal requirements.