As Ekiti State prepares for its governorship election on June 20, 2026, eligible voters will decide who will occupy the Oke Ayoba Government House for the next four years.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially published the names of 12 governorship candidates on January 19, 2026. However, an updated list released on June 11, 2026, included candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Alliance (AA), bringing the total number of contestants to 14.

The candidates come from diverse professional backgrounds, including politics, medicine, business, law, public service, agriculture and entrepreneurship. Below is a profile of each aspirant.

1. Opeyemi Falegan (Accord Party)

Opeyemi Falegan, 41, is a politician and community development advocate from Ado-Ekiti. A former British military officer, he founded the ODF Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that supports widows and vulnerable members of society.

He holds a degree in Computer and Information Science from City University and is campaigning on grassroots development and improved social welfare. His running mate is Omoyemi Olaleye.

2. Abiodun Oyebanji (All Progressives Congress)

Governor Biodun Oyebanji is seeking re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye as his running mate.

Born on December 21, 1967, in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Oyebanji earned a degree in Political Science from Ondo State University, now Ekiti State University. Before becoming governor, he served as Secretary to the Ekiti State Government and played an active role in the committee that facilitated the creation of Ekiti State in 1996.

3. Oluwadare Bejide (African Democratic Congress)

A veteran politician, Oluwadare Bejide, is contesting on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Bejide defeated former Deputy Governor Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka during the party’s primary election. He previously served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada and as Secretary to the Ekiti State Government. He studied Law at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

4. Blessing Abegunde (New Nigeria People’s Party)

At 35, Blessing Abegunde is the youngest governorship candidate in the race.

The entrepreneur is contesting on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), with Francis Ajayi as his running mate. Through the Blessing Abegunde Movement (BAM), he has championed youth empowerment, community development and accountable leadership.

5. Ayodeji Ojo (Action Democratic Party)

Ayodeji Ojo, 42, is flying the flag of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).

A native of Ikere-Ekiti, he is running alongside 35-year-old Itunu Ibitoye as his deputy governorship candidate.

6. Olaniyi Ayodele (People’s Redemption Party)

Representing the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Olaniyi Ayodele is a businessman and agriculturist from Ikere-Ekiti.

The 49-year-old studied Food Science and Technology at Federal Polytechnic, Offa, and currently serves as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of WITPARK Homes Ltd. He also previously coordinated the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Produce Dealers in Ekiti State. His running mate is Modupe Adebiyi.

7. Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele (Young Progressive Party)

Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele is contesting under the Young Progressive Party (YPP), with Arowolo Olusesan as his running mate.

Although he was initially presented as the YPP governorship candidate, he later emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party’s consensus candidate for the Ekiti North Senatorial District in May.

8. Oluyede Olumayokun (Peoples Democratic Party)

Medical doctor, entrepreneur and politician Oluyede Olumayokun was listed as the PDP governorship candidate in INEC’s updated register.

Born in 1964, the Ikere-Ekiti indigene obtained his MBBS degree from the University of Ilorin in 1986. He founded Bethany Clinic in Lagos before practising medicine in the United States, Canada, Australia and the Caribbean. He has previously contested the governorship election and served on the Ekiti Knowledge Zone initiative.

9. Omotoso Olu (Action Alliance)

Action Alliance’s candidate, Omotoso Olu, is 64 years old.

His campaign promises focus on improving education and healthcare, expanding youth participation in governance, promoting technology-driven development, strengthening social security and ensuring transparent governance. His educational qualifications include the First School Leaving Certificate, WAEC, Advanced Certificate and Diploma.

10. Akande Oluwasegun (African Action Congress)

Akande Oluwasegun is representing the African Action Congress (AAC).

The 36-year-old is running with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe as his deputy governorship candidate.

11. Oyebanji Olajuyin (Labour Party)

Labour Party candidate Oyebanji Olajuyin is a medical doctor with over three decades of professional experience.

Born on April 5, 1958, in Ikere-Ekiti, he graduated with an MBBS degree from the University of Ibadan. He previously served as Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State Specialist Hospital, now known as Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. His running mate is Ayokunle Okumade.

12. Joseph Anifowose (Allied People’s Movement)

Joseph Anifowose was nominated by the Allied People’s Movement (APM), with Margaret Ilesanmi as his running mate.

However, the 65-year-old has since withdrawn from the race and endorsed incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term.

13. Victor Adetunji (Zenith Labour Party)

Victor Adetunji is contesting under the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The 38-year-old is running alongside Adesina Oyeniyi as his deputy governorship candidate.

14. Bidemi Awogbemi (Action People’s Party)

Bidemi Awogbemi represents the Action People’s Party (APP) in the governorship election.

The 36-year-old is seeking to lead Ekiti State with Akinyemi Adewumi as his running mate.

With 14 candidates on the ballot, the June 20 governorship election presents Ekiti voters with a broad range of choices as they decide who will steer the state’s affairs over the next four years. (The Nation)

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