Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji Leads Campaign Ahead of Ekiti State Governorship Election

Incumbent Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji is seeking a second term in the June 20, 2026 governorship election. President Bola Tinubu and Vice‑President Kashim Shettima campaigned for him at a mega rally in Ado‑Ekiti, praising his “peaceful, humble and gender‑friendly” record and urging voters to turn out in large numbers. Oyebanji also addressed the state on television, calling for a peaceful poll and urging political parties, observers and security agencies to act professionally.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that 1,059,360 voters are registered in Ekiti, with 1,028,929 permanent voter cards collected – a 97.1 % collection rate. The commission extended the PVC collection deadline to June 14 and confirmed that replacement cards have been issued for all 14,406 applicants.

Opposition parties have formed a coalition of five parties – PDP, YPP, APP, ADP and Accord – uniting behind PDP candidate Oluwole Oluyede to challenge Oyebanji. Meanwhile, businessman Isaac Fayose alleged that the ruling APC is planning vote‑buying and called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to intervene.

Overall, the election is being framed as the most peaceful in the state’s history, with multiple political actors emphasizing stability and development while the opposition seeks to capitalize on perceived weaknesses in the incumbent’s campaign.