INEC Announces Final Results
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) early Sunday morning, June 21, 2026, officially declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Ekiti governorship election. Oyebanji secured a total of 319,224 votes, defeating his closest rivals Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The PDP garnered 40,543 votes, while the ADC received 12,872 votes.
Landslide Victory Across Local Governments
Across all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State, Oyebanji dominated both urban and rural voting blocs. His strongest performances came in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti West, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ikole, and Ekiti East. In Ado Ekiti, the state capital and largest voting centre, Oyebanji polled 38,026 votes, far ahead of the PDP's 3,817 votes. Similar margins were recorded in Ekiti West, where he secured 28,258 votes compared to the PDP's 3,644 votes. In Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, the APC candidate recorded 29,278 votes, while Ikole delivered 26,508 votes for the ruling party, leaving opposition candidates far behind.
According to Premium Times, the APC's strong showing in both urban and rural areas underscored the party's widespread appeal. Political analysts noted that the result reflects the continuity of APC's dominance in Ekiti State, which has been a stronghold of the party in recent elections.
Opposition Reactions and Implications
The PDP and other opposition parties had earlier challenged Oyebanji's candidacy and the electoral process, but INEC dismissed their objections. The declaration of Oyebanji as winner has sparked mixed reactions, with APC supporters celebrating the victory while opposition figures called for a review of the election conduct. The outcome also reinforces the APC's position ahead of the 2027 general elections, as Ekiti remains a key battleground state.
More details are expected to emerge as the electoral commission releases further breakdowns of the results. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as they become available.
