PDP Missing from INEC’s Provisional List for Ekiti Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the provisional list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notably missing.

The list was displayed on Wednesday at the INEC office on New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti. It features candidates from 12 political parties contesting the election.

According to the document, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is presenting the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, 58, alongside his deputy, Monisade Afuye, 67.

Other parties on the list include the Accord Party, which is fielding Opeyemi Falegan, 41, with Omoyemi Olaleye, 42, as running mate. The African Action Congress has Akande Oluwasegun, 36, paired with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe, while the Action Democratic Party is represented by Ayodeji Ojo, 42, and Itunu Ibitoye, 35.

The African Democratic Congress is sponsoring Oluwadare Bejide, 66, with Paul Olowoyeye, 52. The Action People’s Party listed Bidemi Awogbemi, 36, and Akinyemi Adewumi, 53.

Also included are Joseph Anifowose, 65, and Margaret Ilesanmi, 68, of the Allied People’s Movement; Oyebanji Olajuyin, 67, and Ayokunle Okumade, 45, of the Labour Party; and Blessing Abegunde, 35, with Francis Ajayi, 65, of the New Nigeria People’s Party.

The People’s Redemption Party nominated Olaniyi Ayodele, 49, and Modupe Adebiyi, 35, while the Young Progressive Party listed Owoola Daramola, 54, with Opeyemi Adeyemo, 51. Zenith Labour Party’s candidates are Victor Adetunji, 38, and Adesina Oyeniyi, 35.

However, the names of the PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, and his running mate did not appear on the provisional list.

A source at the INEC office said the omission is linked to unresolved court cases concerning the party’s leadership, which have affected the submission of valid candidate details.

INEC is expected to update the list on January 19, in line with the Electoral Act 2022, as political parties complete substitutions and resolve pending legal matters ahead of the election.