A significant shift in the political landscape of Ekiti State emerged on Monday, the 29th of December, 2025, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unveiled the provisional list of candidates for the 2026 governorship election.
Most notably, the names of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, and his running mate were absent from the official display.
The list, which features contestants from 12 political parties, was made public at the INEC state headquarters located on New Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti.
While the PDP remains noticeably absent, other major political parties have successfully cleared the preliminary hurdle:
All Progressives Congress (APC): The ruling party is moving forward with the incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, alongside Monisade Afuye.
Accord Party: Presenting Opeyemi Falegan with Omoyemi Olaleye as deputy.
African Action Congress (AAC): Fielding Akande Oluwasegun and Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe.
Action Democratic Party (ADP): Paired Ayodeji Ojo with Itunu Ibitoye.
African Democratic Congress (ADC): Listed Oluwadare Bejide and Paul Olowoyeye.
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Action Peoples Party (APP): Features the ticket of Bidemi Awogbemi and Akinyemi Adewumi.
The omission of the PDP from the provisional list has raised questions among observers and party faithful. Analysts suggest that the party’s failure to appear on the list may be a byproduct of the internal friction currently affecting its national leadership.
The PDP’s absence may not be unconnected with the leadership crisis currently rocking the party at the national level.
As the election cycle progresses, the window for addressing these administrative or legal hurdles narrows, leaving the PDP’s participation in the upcoming polls in a state of uncertainty.