No fewer than 1.02 million registered voters across Ekiti State are set to cast their ballots today in a crucial governorship election that will determine the state’s political direction and development agenda for the next four years.
The election, taking place across the state’s 16 local government areas and 2,445 polling units, features 13 political parties. However, political observers widely regard the contest as a two-horse race between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with smaller parties seeking to upset the dominance of the two major political blocs.
The poll follows months of intensive campaigning, endorsements, grassroots mobilization and political realignments. With over 1.02 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) already collected from a registered voter population of 1.059 million, voter readiness is among the highest recorded in the state’s electoral history.
As voting begins, attention is focused on incumbent Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the APC, PDP candidate Chief Wole Oluyede, Engr. Oluwadare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Accord Party candidate Opeyemi David Falegan.
EU Raises Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
Ahead of the election, the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Election Observation Hub warned against actions capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.
In its pre-election assessment, the observation hub described the Ekiti governorship election as a significant test of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 and a key indicator ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for completing critical preparations, including the deployment of election personnel and configuration of BVAS machines, the observers expressed concerns over alleged vote-buying schemes, misinformation campaigns and security threats in some local government areas.
The group also highlighted reports of voters’ PVC and National Identification Number details being collected in parts of the state, warning that such practices could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Additionally, the observers urged stakeholders to ensure greater inclusion of women and persons with disabilities and called on political parties to respect the peace accord and pursue grievances through lawful channels.
SDP Alleges Exclusion, Denies Withdrawal
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) alleged that INEC was preventing it from deploying polling agents for the election, a claim that adds another layer of controversy to the process.
The party also dismissed reports suggesting it had withdrawn from the governorship race, insisting that its candidate, Ambassador Isaac Adebayo Alade, remains firmly on the ballot.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP maintained that Alade is the party’s duly nominated candidate and remains fully recognised by INEC.
The party urged voters to disregard reports of its withdrawal, describing them as false and misleading.
APC Seeks Continuity, PDP Eyes Comeback
Governor Oyebanji enters the race as the candidate widely viewed as the frontrunner, benefiting from incumbency and a broad coalition of political support.
His administration has highlighted achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and workers’ welfare, while his re-election bid has received endorsements from President Bola Tinubu, APC leaders and former governors Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, Kayode Fayemi and Ayodele Fayose.
The PDP, on the other hand, is seeking to reclaim political relevance in the state through its candidate, Chief Wole Oluyede, who campaigned on promises of economic revitalization, job creation, youth empowerment and infrastructure renewal.
However, analysts believe internal divisions within the party and Fayose’s endorsement of Oyebanji may have weakened the opposition’s chances in several traditional PDP strongholds.
Meanwhile, ADC candidate Oluwadare Bejide and Accord Party’s Opeyemi David Falegan have attempted to position themselves as alternatives to the dominant parties, although both face challenges related to statewide political structures and grassroots penetration.
Security Tightened Across Ekiti
Security agencies have intensified preparations for the election, deploying personnel and tactical assets across polling units, collation centres and identified flashpoints.
Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle confirmed that a comprehensive security framework had been activated to safeguard voters, election officials and electoral materials.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu also assured residents that officers deployed for election duties had been properly briefed and would carry out their responsibilities professionally and impartially.
The police warned against electoral offences, violence and the spread of misinformation capable of disrupting public order, while encouraging voters to exercise their civic rights peacefully.
INEC Ready for Ekiti Poll, Bye-Elections in Six States
INEC has declared its readiness not only for the Ekiti governorship election but also for bye-elections scheduled to take place today in six states.
The bye-elections will be conducted in Kano, Kebbi, Ondo, Rivers, Nasarawa and Enugu states.
As voting gets underway, all eyes remain on Ekiti voters, whose verdict at the end of the exercise will determine who occupies the coveted Oke Ayoba seat for the next four years.