The Peoples Democratic Party flag bearer is missing in the list of candidates released for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Monday made public the names and particulars of governorship candidates and their running mates for the June 20, 2026 election in Ekiti State.
The list of candidates for the poll was displayed at INEC state headquarters along the new Iyin-Ekiti Road in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, showing details of 12 political parties.
Conspicuously missing was the name of the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, who had emerged as the PDP flagbearer on November 8, 2025, following a primary election conducted by the Aminu Turaki-led National Working Committee of the party.
The omission of the PDP flagbearer’s name may not be unconnected to the ongoing crisis in the Party.
Currently, the Party has two factions. One faction is loyal to the governors on the platform of the party while the other faction is loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The list released by INEC shows the following governorship candidates and their deputies for the Ekiti 2026 election:
Accord Party: Opeyemi Falegan (41) and Omoyemi Olaleye (42).
African Action Congress: Akande Oluwasegun (36) and Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe.
Action Democratic Party: Ayodeji Ojo (42) and Itunu Ibitoye (35).
African Democratic Congress: Oluwadare Bejide (66) and Paul Olowoyeye (52).
All Progressives Congress: Biodun Oyebanji (58) and Monisade Afuye (67).
Action People’s Party: Bidemi Awogbemi (36) and Akinyemi Adewumi (53).
Allied People’s Movement: Joseph Anifowose (65) and Margaret Ilesanmi (68).
Labour Party: Oyebanji Olajuyin (67) and Ayokunle Okumade (45).
New Nigeria People’s Party: Blessing Abegunde (35) and Francis Ajayi (65).
People’s Redemption Party: Olaniyi Ayodele (49) and Modupe Adebiyi (35).
Young Progressive Party: Owoola Daramola (54) and Opeyemi Adeyemo (51).
Zenith Labour Party: Victor Adetunji (38) and Adesina Oyeniyi (35).
