Ekiti 2026: Parties In Final Push For Votes As Campaigns Enter Final Week
With five days to the June 20 governorship election, political parties in Ekiti State have intensified campaigns and grassroots mobilisation efforts as they make a final push to sway voters in what is shaping up to be a keenly contested poll.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that although 15 political parties are participating in the election, the race has largely narrowed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose candidates have dominated campaign activities across the state.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 1,059,360 registered voters are expected to decide the outcome of the election spread across 177 wards and 16 local government areas.
The election is being closely watched by political observers as a test of the strength of incumbency, opposition politics and voter sentiment in a state widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most politically conscious.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC have anchored their campaign on continuity, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and security as justification for another four-year term.
The ruling party has also intensified consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, youth groups and professional bodies, deploying its grassroots structure to consolidate support ahead of election day.
On its part, the PDP has focused its campaign on economic issues, job creation and industrial development, arguing that many residents are yet to feel the full impact of government programmes despite increased federal allocations to the state.
The party’s candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has embarked on extensive ward-to-ward engagements, town hall meetings and community visits while promoting his development blueprint as an alternative to the current administration.
PDP campaign officials insist that voter frustration over the high cost of living and unemployment will work in the party’s favour, describing the election as an opportunity for a change in direction.
The ADC, led by its candidate, Amb. Dare Bejide, has positioned itself as a credible third force by targeting disenchanted voters and campaigning on issues of security, youth empowerment, agriculture and economic development.
The party has intensified door-to-door mobilisation and community outreach programmes, maintaining that many Ekiti residents are looking beyond the APC and PDP for solutions to the state’s challenges.
With campaigns entering their final week, political activities have intensified across the state, setting the stage for a decisive contest that will determine not only who governs Ekiti for the next four years but also shape political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okikiola Adewale is a young and vibrant undergraduate pen pusher with training in both print and digital journalism. He has a flair for writing, content development and people-oriented reporting to seek societal change.
