As activities gear up ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, old questions have resurfaced about zoning, trust, party supremacy and the state’s complex political history that continues to shape its democratic future.
Although parties are yet to conduct primary elections to select their flag bearers, electioneering has begun with actors declaring their interests to run for the most coveted office in the state.
Ekiti’s return to civil rule in 1999 under the Fourth Republic began with Otunba Niyi Adebayo of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the son of Nigeria’s former military governor, General Adeyinka Adebayo.
His one-term stint gave way to the political juggernaut that would define the early 2000s in Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, elected in 2003.
Fayose’s first tenure was cut short by impeachment in 2006 amid allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
Though controversial, the impeachment set off a wave of instability, a succession of acting governors, including the then Speaker of the House and eventually General Tunji Olurin as administrator, before the emergence of Engineer Segun Oni, also of the PDP.
Oni’s time in office was itself contested. Kayode Fayemi of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) challenged the results of the 2007 election, and after a prolonged legal battle, Oni was sacked in 2010, making way for Fayemi.
Thus began a fierce rivalry between the PDP and the ACN (later APC), a pattern that still defines Ekiti politics today.
Since 1999, power in Ekiti has rotated largely between Ekiti Central and Ekiti North. The South Senatorial District, which include Ekiti East, Ekiti South West, Emure, Aiyekire (Gbonyin), Ikere, and Ise/Orun, has long complained of marginalization.
Despite producing political heavyweights, such as Adebayo Clement Adeyeye, it remains the only district yet to complete a full term in the governor’s seat.
Segun Oni, who hails from Ekiti North, only got a partial term. Fayemi (Ekiti North) had two terms. Fayose (Ekiti Central) also served two terms. The current governor, Biodun Oyebanji, hails from Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti Central.
Ahead of 2026, voices from Ekiti South, including traditional rulers, youth associations, and political leaders, have grown louder, demanding that justice and equity be done through zoning.
The clamour for zoning has again been brought to the front burner despite the incumbent, Oyabenji seeking re-election.
The argument is that every major district should have a fair shot at the governorship to foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging.
Although zoning of political offices has never been an issue in Ekiti politics from time immemorial, the clamour for power shift to Ekiti South ahead of next year’s election is already giving Governor Oyebanji and the leadership of his party and the opposition PDP headache and sleepless nights.
Political pundits opined that next year’s election is widely expected to be a fierce contest among the three districts, but Ekiti South is insisting that it is its turn to occupy the most exalted seat in the state.
Soji Solomon, a former chairman of the APC in Emure, Ekiti South, has strongly criticized the long-standing marginalization of the region in the state’s political leadership.
He expressed that the 2026 governorship election offers the best opportunity for the ruling party to right this historic wrong.
In a conversation with our report in Ado-Ekiti, Solomon stated: “For years, Ekiti South has been sidelined in the power equation. We have capable, qualified leaders, but the political structure has consistently overlooked us.
“The upcoming 2026 election is the perfect moment for the APC to address this imbalance.
“It is time to give the South its rightful chance to lead this state, and I believe the party must rise to this challenge, or risk alienating a significant portion of its base.”
Ahead of the 2026 Governorship election in Ekiti, a group of concerned politicians across the registered political parties has emerged under the umbrella of ‘EKITI NEW DIMENSION’, with the sole aim of rescuing the state from what they describe as the “clueless government” of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group’s spokesperson, Chief Segun Akinwumi, outlined the movement’s conservative vision and its commitment to revitalising governance in Ekiti.
Akinwumi said the new coalition intends to offer an alternative political direction, unite disenchanted leaders across party lines, and “unseat the current government that has failed to meet the aspirations of the people.”
The ruling APC retains a strong hold on Ekiti, especially with Oyebanji’s relatively calm administration and continuity from the Fayemi legacy. However, internal party tensions remain, particularly around succession planning and zoning within the party.
The PDP, tagged the main opposition but now weakened nationally and within Ekiti, is searching for a revival.
Adding further intrigue to the developing political scene, a chieftain of the PDP, Emmanuel Fayose, has declared his intention to join the 2026 Ekiti gubernatorial race.
Fayose, the immediate younger brother of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, made his declaration in Ado-Ekiti while addressing reporters.
He expressed confidence in securing the PDP ticket and ultimately unseating incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC.
According to him, his decision is driven by a burning desire to reposition the state and restore people’s trust in governance.
“I am not just riding on my name. I have a vision and capacity to deliver transformative governance in Ekiti. The state deserves more, and I believe I represent the generational shift and seriousness our people need,” he said.
Analysts believe that his brother and former governor, Ayodele Fayose may still influence the race, directly or indirectly.
The belief in some quarters is that Ayo Fayose would be running his brother’s third term agenda despite him giving his nod to the incumbent Oyebanji recently at an event at Ado Ekiti.
There’s also talk of a “third force,” possibly a Labour Party or Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate emerging to disrupt the APC-PDP duopoly, though Ekiti has not historically embraced third-party candidates.
The interplay of zoning demands, old rivalries, emerging political forces, and questions of equity are shaping what could be the most unpredictable gubernatorial election in the state’s history.
The coming months will test the strength of party structures, the sincerity of political actors and the resolve of the electorate.
He spoke to a crowd in Akwa Ibom State, emphasising the importance of voter participation and electoral accountability.
Former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has issued a warning that electoral officials who fail to count votes in the 2027 elections will face consequences.
He spoke to a crowd in Akwa Ibom State, emphasizing the importance of voter participation and electoral accountability.
“In the upcoming election in 2027, anybody who refuses to count our vote, we will count the person join. Anybody who refused to count our votes in 2027, we will count him.”
The event concluded with calls for citizens and political actors to support a credible and peaceful electoral process in 2027.
Obi left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after disagreements over the party’s nomination process ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
He subsequently joined the Labour Party and contested the 2023 presidential election under its platform.
His campaign drew widespread attention across Nigeria, especially among young voters, and was noted for its emphasis on transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Observers said Obi’s experience in the 2023 election has shaped his continued focus on electoral integrity and the proper counting of votes ahead of 2027.
In December 2025, Obi formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling his continued involvement in national politics and his commitment to participating in future elections under a new party platform.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the date of the general election in 2003 after Christians protested over a clash with Easter.
INEC had initially fixed April 19, 2003, for the governorship and state house of assembly elections.
The date, however, coincided with Holy Saturday, a day preceding Easter Sunday, a significant event on the Christian calendar.
In a statement at the time, the conference said the decision demonstrated insensitivity to the religious commitments of a large segment of the population.
The bishops implored INEC to move the election in the spirit of inclusiveness and national harmony.
The protest sparked public debate over the need to balance electoral timelines with religious observances.
Following consultations and mounting pressure, INEC announced a shift in the election date.
The commission subsequently moved the governorship and state assembly elections to a new date in the same month.
Atiku, others kick against 2027 general election dates
A similar debate has been ignited after the electoral umpire announced dates for the 2027 general election.
Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, on Friday announced dates for the presidential and national assembly elections during a news conference in Abuja.
“By virtue of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), tenure of the president, vice-president, governors and deputy governors of states of the federation (except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun states) will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027 while membership of the national and state assemblies will stand dissolved on the 8th day of June, 2027,” he said.
Outrage trailed the announcement on social media following reports that the dates fall within the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
They said that the physical challenges of fasting could affect how many people vote, and might also slow down the work of people watching the elections and those in charge of running them.
He asked the commission to think again about the February 20, 2027 date, because he was worried it would clash with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
On Friday, through his official X account, Atiku mentioned that the suggested date is “right in the middle of the Ramadan period (February 7 to March 8, 2027), a special time for fasting, thinking, and spiritual practice for many Nigerian Muslims.”
Bashir Ahmad, who used to work closely with late former president Muhammadu Buhari, also asked INEC to think again about the dates.
He tagged INEC on his X post, which partly said: “If the goal is to promote full and inclusive involvement in the election process, holding such an important national event during Ramadan could create difficulties for many people in the country.
“Many Muslims often cut back on busy daily tasks during this time so they can focus more on their religious duties. Because there are a lot of Muslims in this country, it might be a good idea to think again about when something happens so that more people can take part and it’s easier for everyone. I hope this observation is understood in a way that promotes unity and brings people together.”
INEC vows to review 2027 election dates
However, INEC, through a statement from the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the schedule was created carefully following the timeframes set out in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Conducting Elections, 2022.
Haruna said that the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for conducting elections, which have been in place since 2019, set the dates when elections are to be held.
He quoted paragraph two of the regulation, which says: “The elections for the offices of President and Vice President, as well as the National Assembly, will take place on the third Saturday of February in any general election year. The elections for the offices of Governor and Deputy Governor, as well as the State Houses of Assembly, will happen two weeks after that.”
He added, “Based on this, and following these existing laws and rules carefully, the Commission set Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.”
Even though the above points are considered, the Commission said it has acknowledged the worries raised by stakeholders about the planned dates overlapping with some nationally recognized holidays and events.
The Commission said it wants to let the public know that it is aware of all valid worries that could affect how people vote and how elections are run in general.
He said that because of these changes, “the Commission is now talking to different groups and might, if needed, ask for legal changes to deal with the issues raised, but always making sure any changes follow the laws and the constitution.”
INEC said it would continue to emphasize its strong dedication to being open, fair, and ensuring the 2027 General Election is conducted honestly and reliably.
Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Electoral Reform Committee, Monday Ubani, SAN, says the Senate’s proposal on the Electoral Reform Amendment Bill leaves room for error.
Ubani made this statement on Saturday while fielding questions in an interview on Arise Television.
He said that both electronic transmission and transfer involve manual collation that happens in collation centers, stressing that nothing has changed.
According to him, IREV is just for viewing results, maintaining that it does not calculate or tabulate results.
The lawyer added that the issue most Nigerians have with the Senate’s version is that there’s room for communications failure that can be illegally taken advantage of.
“The Senate proposed bill leaves room for electoral error. If there are differences, there will be a harmonization committee to look at those differences and come up with a harmonized version for transmission to the President for assent.
“And I’m very happy that the House of Representatives did theirs last year and then the Senate have actually also passed their own version and there are differences and then the committee will sit on Monday in order to harmonize that position.
“The position of the law, which is 2022 Act, was that it gave INEC the responsibility of issuing out a guideline or prescribing a guideline as to the mode of transfer.
“The problem with our electoral system has always been between the polling unit and the collation centre.
“The people have witnessed a situation where a different result will be declared at the collation centre, different from what happened at the polling unit,” he said.
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
NYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
Mexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
Putin invites 20 world leaders
Russia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
