Ekiti Governorship Election Holds Amid Heavy Security Deployment as Voters Decide Next Governor

June 20, 2026 – Ekiti State, Nigeria

Eligible voters in Ekiti State are heading to the polls today to elect a governor for the next four years, with voting scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. across 2,445 polling units and 1,059,360 registered voters expected to participate.

The election, which is one of the most closely watched off-cycle governorship polls in Nigeria, will determine the successor to incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is seeking re-election. He faces 13 challengers, including Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), making the contest a straight battle between the two major parties.

Security has been heavily reinforced across the state, with the Nigeria Police Force deploying personnel and tactical assets to all 2,545 polling units. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has also deployed 10,000 personnel from several states to reinforce security, while the Nigerian Air Force airlifted sensitive electoral materials between June 15 and 16 to ensure timely delivery.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians of a free and fair process, but opposition parties have raised concerns about potential irregularities, including vote-buying and intimidation. Civil society organizations have deployed observers to monitor the process and report any violations.