The Labour Party in Ekiti State has affirmed Prof. Oyebanji Olajuyin, a medical expert, as its candidate for the June 20, 2026, governorship election in the state.
Olajuyin, a native of Ikere Ekiti in the Ekiti South Senatorial District, was affirmed through a consensus arrangement at the party’s governorship primary held on Saturday, according to a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.
LP State Chairman Odunayo Okunade said the primary followed due process, with affirmation conducted by party delegates and witnessed by party executives, representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission, and security agents.
“Being a renowned medical expert with over three decades of experience, we are sure he will use his administrative and professional expertise to turn things around for the good of Ekiti State,” Okunade said.
He added, “The peaceful conduct of the congress, devoid of violence, intimidation or rigging, has demonstrated that the future of the state is secured with LP at the helm of affairs.”
Okunade assured the support of the state executive, party members, and supporters to Olajuyin, saying, “We thank INEC, the Department of State Service, the police, and the media for their presence throughout the duration of the primary.”
In his acceptance speech, Olajuyin described his emergence under a peaceful atmosphere as “a testament to the party’s readiness and resolve to assume the state governorship come 2026.” He added, “The LP is the party to beat as far as the Ekiti 2026 governorship election is concerned,” urging all party members to work together to ensure victory.
Other notable candidates in the 2026 election include Governor Biodun Oyebanji (All Progressives Congress), former High Commissioner to Canada Dare Bejide (African Democratic Congress), Dr Wole Oluyede (People’s Democratic Party), engineer David Bankole (Social Democratic Party), entrepreneur Mr Blessing Abegunde (New Nigeria Peoples Party), and philanthropist Opeyemi Falegan (Accord).
Recall that the LP and the governing All Progressives Congress in the state recently disagreed over the developments in the state.
LP State Publicity Secretary Sunday Agunbiade accused the APC government of neglecting the plight of residents, saying, “The people are increasingly frustrated by the deteriorating conditions in our state.”
But the APC state spokesperson, Segun Dipe, dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, maintaining that “the Oyebanji administration has been and is committed to the welfare and safety of Ekiti residents.”
INEC had fixed October 20 to November 10, 2025, for party primaries, while parties had until January 12, 2026, to perfect their candidates. The electoral body will publish the final list of candidates on January 19, 2026.
The winner of the June 20, 2026, election will assume office as Governor of Ekiti State on October 16, 2026, following the expiration of the current governor’s tenure on October 15, 2026.
