PDP SDP Aspirants Absent as INEC Publishes Final Candidate List for Ekiti Governorship Election

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Preparations for the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election have entered a decisive phase after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unveiled the definitive roster of contestants cleared to participate in the June 20, 2026 poll. The announcement has stirred political reactions across the state, largely due to the absence of nominees from two prominent parties.

While electoral activities intensify, observers quickly noticed that neither the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor the Social Democratic Party (SDP) appeared on the approved candidate list, a development widely interpreted as a reflection of unresolved legal and organisational disputes within both parties.

Parties Cleared for the Contest

INEC’s publication confirmed participation by candidates representing six political platforms. Among those officially recognised are:

The incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, contesting under the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Oluwadare Bejide representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Opeyemi Falegan flying the Accord Party’s flag
Ayodeji Ojo of the Action Democratic Party
Bidemi Awogbemi representing the Action People’s Party
Akande Oluwasegun contesting on the platform of the African Action Congress

The absence of expected candidates from the PDP and SDP immediately shifted political discussions toward internal challenges facing the opposition.

How Legal Battles Altered the PDP’s Position

The exclusion of PDP aspirant Wole Oluyede traces back to earlier judicial proceedings that nullified the party’s governorship primary election. A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti ruled that the process that produced Oluyede failed to comply with electoral guidelines and party constitutional provisions.

Following the judgment, the court ordered the PDP to organise another primary election. Because the party could not complete that process within the electoral timetable, INEC maintained its decision not to include the candidate’s name on the final list.

Interestingly, Oluyede had originally secured victory during the party’s November 2025 primary after defeating rival contender Funso Ayeni in a closely contested vote supervised by the party’s National Working Committee.

Wider Crisis Inside the PDP

Beyond the courtroom, the PDP continues to grapple with a broader leadership struggle that has divided its national structure. Competing blocs within the party remain locked in disagreement over authority and recognition.

One camp is associated with Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, while another faction aligns politically with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The internal dispute has complicated administrative decisions and weakened organisational cohesion ahead of major elections.

At an earlier stage, INEC declined to recognise a National Working Committee backed by one of the factions, explaining that contradictory court rulings surrounding the party’s national convention prevented any amendment to official records until all legal questions are settled.

SDP Candidate Also Missing

The Social Democratic Party faced its own setback as its expected candidate, David Bankole, did not make the commission’s final compilation. Although less publicly contentious than the PDP situation, the omission further narrowed the opposition field in the Ekiti race.

Political analysts believe these exclusions may significantly reshape campaign dynamics, giving participating parties clearer strategic pathways as electioneering gathers momentum.

Election Timeline Moves Forward

With the legal uncertainties resolved — at least from INEC’s administrative standpoint — attention now shifts fully to the June governorship contest. The electoral commission reiterated that its decisions were guided strictly by court judgments, statutory deadlines, and constitutional compliance rather than political considerations.

Campaign activities, voter mobilisation, and party outreach efforts are expected to intensify in the coming weeks as candidates seek to consolidate support across Ekiti’s local government areas.

Commentary and Analysis

The unfolding situation highlights a recurring challenge within Nigeria’s political system: internal party disputes often carry consequences that extend far beyond party headquarters. When leadership crises and litigation delay candidate selection, electoral opportunities can be lost entirely.

For the PDP, exclusion from the ballot represents more than a temporary setback; it raises questions about organisational discipline and conflict management within major opposition parties. Meanwhile, the APC may benefit from a less crowded opposition space, although voter sentiment will ultimately determine electoral outcomes.

The Ekiti election also underscores the increasing influence of judicial rulings in shaping Nigeria’s democratic process. Courts now play a decisive role not only in resolving disputes but in determining which political actors ultimately reach the ballot.

As the countdown continues, the election may serve as a test case for how party stability — or instability — translates into electoral performance.