The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the list of candidates and their running mates for the June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State. However, the name of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, was missing from the list displayed at the INEC office in Ado-Ekiti.

Observers confirmed that while 12 parties had their candidates published, the PDP was not included. This raised concerns, especially since Oluyede had earlier emerged as the party’s candidate during a primary election held in November 2025 and reportedly monitored by INEC officials.

Sources within INEC explained that the omission is linked to the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP at the national level, where two factions are claiming control of the party and fighting legal battles in court. INEC reportedly chose not to list the PDP until the leadership issue is resolved.

Meanwhile, candidates from other parties such as APC, LP, NNPP, ADC, YPP, and ZLP have all been published, with their names and details made public. As the election draws closer, many political watchers are waiting to see whether the PDP will resolve its crisis in time to be included in the race.