By Joke Kujenya
ALTHOUGH SEVERAL political parties are participating in the Ekiti State governorship election, political analysts, election observers, and pre-election media assessments have largely focused on three candidates viewed as the most competitive in the race – Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Many pre-election assessments described the contest as primarily a battle between the APC and PDP, while noting that the ADC could influence the outcome in some areas by attracting voters seeking an alternative to the state’s two dominant political parties.
Biodun Oyebanji – All Progressives Congress (APC)
Profile:
Governor Biodun Oyebanji is seeking a second term in office after winning the 2022 governorship election. Before becoming governor, he served in several public-sector positions, including Secretary to the Ekiti State Government.
Since assuming office in October 2022, his administration has highlighted infrastructure development, social intervention programmes, agricultural initiatives, and economic reforms as key achievements.
Political Strengths:
As the incumbent governor, Oyebanji enters the election with the advantages typically associated with incumbency, including widespread name recognition and the backing of the APC’s established political structure across the state’s 16 local government areas.
His campaign has centred on continuity, arguing that ongoing projects and programmes require another term for completion. The APC also benefits from the support of influential party leaders within and outside Ekiti State.
Several political observers and media assessments ahead of the election described Oyebanji as the candidate entering the contest with the strongest organisational structure.
Potential Challenges:
Opposition parties have sought to frame the election as an opportunity for voters to evaluate the performance of the current administration.
Like many incumbents seeking re-election, Oyebanji also faces the challenge of persuading voters that progress recorded during his first term warrants renewed support at the polls.
Wole Oluyede – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Profile:
Wole Oluyede emerged as the PDP’s governorship candidate following the party’s nomination process and has campaigned on promises of political change, improved governance, and greater accountability.
His campaign has focused on presenting the PDP as the principal alternative to the APC administration.
Political Strengths:
The PDP remains one of the most established political parties in Ekiti State and retains structures across many communities.
The party continues to enjoy support in areas traditionally considered PDP strongholds and among voters seeking a change in leadership.
Political analysts generally regard the PDP as the APC’s main challenger in the election.
Potential Challenges:
The PDP faces the task of unseating a sitting governor backed by an extensive party network.
The party must also maximise voter mobilisation across its support base while expanding its appeal among undecided voters and younger electorates.
Dare Bejide – African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Profile:
Dare Bejide, a former ambassador and experienced politician, is contesting on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.
His campaign has positioned the ADC as an alternative to the APC-PDP political rivalry that has dominated the state’s electoral landscape for years.
Political Strengths:
Bejide benefits from political experience and public recognition gained through years of involvement in public service and politics.
Supporters of the ADC argue that the party offers voters a fresh option outside the two dominant parties.
The ADC has also attracted increased national attention in recent months, contributing to greater visibility for its candidates.
Potential Challenges:
Compared with the APC and PDP, the ADC has a smaller political structure in many parts of the state.
Analysts note that converting public interest into actual votes at polling units remains one of the party’s biggest tests on election day.
Factors That Could Influence the Outcome
Political observers have identified several factors that may shape the final result:
Voter turnout across APC and PDP strongholds.
Participation levels among young voters.
Compliance with electoral guidelines and anti-vote-buying measures.
The performance of smaller parties, particularly the ADC.
The collation and acceptance of election results.
The Race Ahead
Before the commencement of voting, many political assessments identified Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the candidate with the strongest organisational advantage, while Wole Oluyede was widely regarded as the leading opposition challenger.
The performance of Dare Bejide and the ADC may also prove significant in determining margins in closely contested areas.
As voting, collation, and result verification continue across Ekiti State, the electorate will ultimately determine whether the state opts for continuity, change, or an alternative political direction.
—
