PDP candidate missing as INEC releases provisional list for Ekiti guber election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the provisional list of candidates for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, but the absence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, and his running mate has raised eyebrows.

INEC on Monday displayed the list of candidates from 12 political parties contesting the state’s top seat at its office located on New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti. While names of candidates from other parties were clearly listed, neither Dr Oluyede nor his deputy appeared on the provisional register.

The list shows that the All Progressives Congress, APC, is fielding the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, with Monisade Afuye as his running mate.

Other candidates include Opeyemi Falegan of the Accord Party, with Omoyemi Olaleye as deputy; Akande Oluwasegun of the African Action Congress, paired with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe; and Ayodeji Ojo of the Action Democratic Party, with Itunu Ibitoye as running mate.

Similarly, the African Democratic Congress is presenting Oluwadare Bejide and Paul Olowoyeye, while the Action Peoples Party has Bidemi Awogbemi and Akinyemi Adewumi on its ticket.

The PDP’s absence may not be unconnected with the leadership crisis currently rocking the party at the national level.