Voters across Ekiti State are heading to the polls today, Saturday, June 20, 2026, to elect a governor who will lead the state for the next four years.
The election is taking place across the state’s 16 local government areas, 177 wards and 2,445 polling units, with electoral officials, security agencies and political parties saying “they are ready for the exercise.”
Eligible voters
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), “1,059,360 registered voters are expected to participate in the election. Of this number, 1,028,929 have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and are eligible to vote.”
INEC had earlier concluded the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials to designated locations across the state, while voting is scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m.
Thirteen candidates are contesting the election on the platforms of various political parties. Among the leading contenders is the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term in office.
Also in the race are the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Professor Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin, People’s Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Oluyede Olumayokun Oluwole and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Ambassador Oluwadare Patrick Bejide, alongside candidates of other political parties.
Security for the election
Security agencies have deployed personnel to strategic locations across the state to maintain peace and order during the election. Election observers and civil society organisations are also on the ground to monitor the conduct of the poll.
As part of measures to guarantee security during the election, the Ekiti State Police Command announced a restriction on vehicular movement across the state from midnight to 6:00 p.m. on election day.
The restriction affects both intra-state and inter-state movement and applies to private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles and motorcycles.
Peace Accord
Ahead of the election, political parties and candidates had signed a Peace Accord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee, pledging to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
The outcome of the election is expected to shape the political direction of Ekiti State and will determine who occupies the state’s highest office for the next four years.
