The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates cleared to contest the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notably absent.
INEC made the list public on Monday in a document signed by its National Commissioner, Rose Oraran-Anthony.
According to the commission, a total of 12 political parties will participate in the election. The document clearly outlines the names of the governorship candidates and their respective running mates, while also detailing their academic qualifications, ranging from primary school certificates to doctorate degrees.
Among the approved candidates are nominees of the Action Democratic Party (ADC), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Congress (APC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and several other political parties.
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Meanwhile, INEC cleared the incumbent governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the APC, to seek re-election. The commission also approved Monisade Afuye as his deputy governorship candidate.
However, INEC excluded the PDP from the final list following a ruling of the Federal High Court that disqualified the party’s candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede.
In response, the PDP has filed a notice of appeal against the judgment. The party insists that its candidate’s status remains subject to further court orders, pending the outcome of the appeal.
Here are photos of the document:
