INEC’s final list for the Ekiti governorship election confirms 12 parties, excludes PDP and SDP candidates, and sparks fresh legal and political tensions.
As political activities intensify ahead of the June 20, 2026 polls, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates cleared to contest the Ekiti governorship election, formally defining the field for the high-stakes race.
The publication has generated renewed debate across Ekiti State, particularly over the continued exclusion of two major contenders.
INEC’s final document confirms candidates from 12 political parties, ending weeks of anticipation and speculation among political stakeholders.
While the list provides clarity for most parties, it has also reopened unresolved disputes involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), whose candidates were omitted.
Missing from the list are Dr. Oluwole Oluyede of the PDP and Mr. David Bankole of the SDP.
Their exclusion dates back to the provisional list issued by INEC on December 29, 2025, a development that triggered protests by party supporters and sparked legal action.
Despite sustained agitation and appeals, both candidates remain absent from the final register.
Political observers say the situation underscores the growing role of judicial decisions in shaping Nigeria’s electoral landscape, particularly in governorship contests.
In the case of the PDP, the exclusion followed a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the party’s primary election, a ruling the party has since vowed to challenge.
Meanwhile, INEC confirmed that the following parties successfully met all requirements to participate in the Ekiti governorship election: Accord, African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Movement (APM), Allied Peoples Party (APP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The release of the final list also brought clarity on governorship candidates and their running mates, effectively marking the transition from pre-election preparations to full-scale campaigns.
Among those cleared are Opeyemi Falegan and Bayode Omoyeni of Accord; Oluwasegun Akande and Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe representing AAC; and Oluwadare Bejide with Ayodeji Babalola of ADC.
Other contenders include Ojo Ayodeji and Itunu Ibitoye (ADP); Olanrewaju Anifowose and Adenike Ilesanmi (APM); and incumbent governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC, who is seeking re-election alongside his deputy, Monisade Afuye.
Also in the race are Olaiya Awogbemi and Akinyemi Adewumi of APP, Oyebanji Olajuyin with Odunayo Okunade of the Labour Party, and Praise Ayodele with Dorcas Adeniyi of PRP.
The Zenith Labour Party will be represented by Damilola Adetunji and Adesina Oyeniyi, while Olusegun Osinkolu and Blessing Abegunde fly the flag for the YPP. The NNPP listed Ade Francis as its governorship candidate.
Reacting to the development, the PDP described INEC’s action as premature, insisting that its legal battle is still ongoing.
According to Mr. Gani Salau, media aide to Dr. Oluyede, the party has filed an appeal against the judgment that invalidated its primary election and has also applied for a stay of execution.
He noted that the PDP remains hopeful that the courts will order INEC to include its candidate before the election date.
The SDP has taken a similar stance. The party’s chairman in Ekiti State, Hon. Ayodele Bamikole, confirmed that legal steps are being taken to challenge the exclusion of Mr. Bankole.
He argued that denying the party a place on the ballot undermines democratic choice and disenfranchises its supporters.
Beyond party reactions, analysts say the unfolding scenario could influence voter sentiment and campaign strategies.
The absence of PDP and SDP candidates from the ballot, if sustained, may alter traditional voting patterns and redistribute support among the remaining parties.
This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the Ekiti governorship election.
INEC, however, has maintained that its decisions are guided strictly by the law and existing court orders.
The commission has reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible and transparent election, urging political parties to respect due process while pursuing any grievances through legal channels.
As campaigns gather momentum across Ekiti State, attention is now shifting to the courts, where final decisions could still reshape the contest.
Whether the legal challenges will result in last-minute changes remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Ekiti governorship election is evolving into a defining political contest marked by legal drama, strategic realignments, and heightened public interest.
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