The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was notably absent from the provisional list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, as the party’s candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, and his running mate did not appear on the list.
INEC on Monday displayed the provisional list of governorship candidates from 12 political parties at its state office on New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, marking a key step in preparations for the election.
According to the list, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is presenting the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, as its candidate, with Monisade Afuye as his running mate.
Other parties cleared on the provisional list include the Accord Party, which is fielding Opeyemi Falegan with Omoyemi Olaleye as deputy; the African Action Congress (AAC), with Akande Oluwasegun and Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe; and the Action Democratic Party (ADP), which has Ayodeji Ojo as its governorship candidate, paired with Itunu Ibitoye.
Also listed are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), presenting Oluwadare Bejide and Paul Olowoyeye, and the Action Peoples Party (APP), which is fielding Bidemi Awogbemi with Akinyemi Adewumi as running mate.
The absence of the PDP from the provisional list has raised questions among political observers in the state. The development is believed to be linked to the leadership crisis currently affecting the party at the national level, which has continued to generate legal and administrative challenges.
INEC has yet to make an official statement on the PDP’s omission, but the release of the provisional list underscores the commission’s adherence to electoral timelines as preparations for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election gather momentum.
