Prof. Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin has emerged as the Labour Party candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election. He was chosen as the party's consensus candidate during its congress in Ado-Ekiti, as political parties position themselves ahead of a competitive off-cycle election in the state.
Career Highlights
Prof. Olajuyin is a medical doctor and professor of medicine with over three decades of experience. His career has spanned clinical practice, medical research, healthcare administration, and teaching. According to Premium Times, he served as Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State Specialist Hospital, now Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. He obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Ibadan.
Hometown and Background
The Labour Party candidate hails from Ikere-Ekiti in the Ekiti South Senatorial District, Ekiti State. His local background has remained part of his public identity as he steps into the governorship race.
Age
According to information on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website, Prof. Olajuyin is 67 years old. He was born on April 5, 1958, placing him among the older contenders in the 2026 governorship contest.
Path to Candidacy
In November 2025, he emerged as the Labour Party governorship candidate after being affirmed as the consensus choice at the party's congress held in Ado-Ekiti. The exercise was attended by party officials, delegates, and representatives of INEC, alongside security agencies.
Campaign Themes
Olajuyin's campaign message, as stated by ICIR, is centred on healthcare reform, improved education, transparent governance, and human capital development. He has also spoken against the growing role of money in politics, saying it weakens accountability and public service.
The Ekiti governorship election will hold on June 20, 2026, with incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC seeking re-election amid over one million registered voters. Analysts point to incumbency advantage, strong endorsements, and broad grassroots structures as key factors favouring the ruling party.
Four governorship candidates aged between 35 and 38 are also contesting the election, reflecting rising youth participation under the Not Too Young To Run law. They are drawn from NNPP, AAC, APP, and ZLP, campaigning on reforms in education, healthcare, agriculture, and job creation.
