The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, securing a second term in office. The declaration was made at the INEC State Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti after the completion of results collation from the state’s 16 local government areas.
Oyebanji recorded victories across several local government areas, including Ido/Osi and Ekiti South-West, maintaining a commanding lead over his closest challengers, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide.
The election, conducted on Saturday across 2,445 polling units in the state, witnessed the participation of 14 political parties. INEC officials collated results from polling units to ward and local government levels before the final state collation in Ado-Ekiti.
With the victory, Oyebanji has successfully renewed his mandate as governor, extending APC’s control of the South-West state. The election outcome is being viewed by political observers as a strong endorsement of his administration’s performance over the past four years.
The official breakdown of votes from all 16 local government areas is expected to be released by INEC as part of its comprehensive election report.
Political leaders, supporters, and stakeholders have begun congratulating the governor-elect while urging all parties to maintain peace and respect the democratic process.