The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has excluded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the provisional list of candidates for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election. The development has raised concerns among political observers and party supporters across the state, as the PDP is one of the major political parties in Nigeria.
INEC released the provisional list of candidates on Monday at its state office located on New Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. The list contains the names of candidates and their running mates from 12 political parties that have successfully completed the nomination process ahead of the governorship election.
Noticeably absent from the list were the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, and his running mate. Their omission means that, as of now, the PDP does not have an official candidate cleared by INEC to contest the Ekiti governorship election.
The exclusion has generated reactions within political circles, especially because the PDP has been a strong political force in Ekiti State since the return to democratic rule in 1999. The party has produced governors in the past and has traditionally enjoyed wide support across many local government areas in the state.
According to the provisional list displayed by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding the incumbent governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for a second term in office. He is running with his current deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye. Governor Oyebanji, who came into office in October 2022, is seeking re-election on the platform of the ruling party at both the state and federal levels.
Other political parties have also presented their candidates for the race. The Accord Party is fielding Mr Opeyemi Falegan, with Mr Omoyemi Olaleye as his running mate. The African Action Congress (AAC) has nominated Mr Akande Oluwasegun as its candidate, alongside Mr Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe as deputy governorship candidate.
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) is presenting Mr Ayodeji Ojo, with Ms Itunu Ibitoye as his running mate. Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has put forward Mr Oluwadare Bejide and Mr Paul Olowoyeye as its governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively.
Also on the list is the Action Peoples Party (APP), which is fielding Mr Bidemi Awogbemi as its candidate, with Mr Akinyemi Adewumi as his running mate. These parties, along with others listed by INEC, are expected to campaign across the state as preparations for the election gather momentum.
INEC officials did not immediately give detailed reasons for the PDP’s absence from the provisional list. However, political analysts believe the development may be linked to the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP at the national level.
For several months, the PDP has been facing internal disputes over party leadership, congresses, and control of party structures in some states. These problems have led to court cases, parallel executives, and disagreements over the legitimacy of party officials. Such issues often affect the party’s ability to submit valid nomination documents to INEC within the required timeframe.
Under Nigeria’s electoral laws and INEC guidelines, political parties must conduct valid primaries and submit the names of their candidates and running mates before the deadline set by the commission. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to disqualification or exclusion from the candidate list.
It is not yet clear whether the PDP still has the opportunity to resolve its internal issues and regularise its position before the final list of candidates is released. INEC usually allows a short window for corrections or substitutions, provided they are done in line with the law and court decisions, if any.
Ekiti State, located in the South-West geopolitical zone, is known for its vibrant political culture. Governorship elections in the state are often keenly contested, with voters paying close attention to issues such as education, infrastructure, workers’ welfare, agriculture, and youth employment.
The PDP’s absence from the race, if it remains unchanged, could significantly alter the political calculations ahead of the election. Some analysts believe it could strengthen the chances of the APC, while others argue that smaller parties may benefit from the situation by attracting voters who would have supported the PDP.
Supporters of the PDP in Ekiti State have expressed concern and disappointment over the development. Many fear that the party’s internal problems may deny it the opportunity to present its programmes and ideas to the electorate at a crucial time.
Meanwhile, INEC has urged political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to electoral guidelines and conduct peaceful campaigns. The commission has also assured voters of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible election in Ekiti State.
As the election approaches, attention will remain on whether the PDP can resolve its leadership crisis and return to the race, or whether the 2026 Ekiti governorship election will proceed without one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties. For now, the provisional list released by INEC suggests a reshaped political contest, with 12 parties already cleared to compete for the state’s highest political office.