Ekiti 2026: The Game Begins Amid Questions And Uncertainty

BY VINCENT O. AROGBODO

Another election season is subtly getting underway as voters in Ekiti State get ready to decide their next governor. 

Although, they are still political fascination among the key players due to the recent release of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC)’s timetable. Concerned citizens have one simple question on their minds: What has Governor Biodun Oyebanji accomplished with the increasing money inflow? Both internally produced revenue and federal contributions to states have significantly increased after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu banished the petrol subsidy. Like everyone else, Ekiti has had extra funds to work with, but what tangible effects has this had?

Prompt salary and gratuity payments are frequently cited by the governor as a significant accomplishment. Critics counter that this is the absolute minimum that any responsible government should do. The frequent response on the streets is, “If he is not paying, what would be his excuse?”

Unfortunately, the picture painted by the state’s infrastructure is more projected. At the moment, Ekiti is dealing with one of the worst road systems in its history. Although former Governor Kayode Fayemi started this deterioration, the current administration has not done much to stop it. Access roads to a number of communities are still impenetrable and have been abandoned with startling disregard.

Public infrastructure in the fields of health and education is in equally bad shape. Many public schools are in ruins, and basic healthcare services are crumbling. The ongoing Common Entrance Exam for elementary school pupils has brought attention to the deterioration of the infrastructure, sparking protests on social media and calls for immediate government action.

To the government’s credit, there has been a slight improvement in the state’s security situation. However, strengthening the security architecture will require furtherance. In particular, traditional leaders need to be empowered to actively participate in community security service.

The governor seems unpertubed with the administration’s flaws and meagre successes amidst his concentration on re-election in 2026.

In recent weeks, the state has seen more political endorsement events than weddings and funerals. An action less expected in a state with few businesses and few work possibilities, new class of political “hailers” has emerged, those whose full-time job is treating political rallies. Politics appears to offer more career opportunities in Ekiti than professional occupations these days.

However, things might not be as easy for Governor Oyebanji as they seem. His recent body language conveys dread and uneasiness. In what many see as a major challenge to the incumbent. Engineer Kayode Ojo, one of his main opponents inside the All Progressives Congress (APC), officially opened his campaign office this week.

Opposition parties are not giving up despite their relative weakness. Behind the scenes, discussions regarding potential competitors are accelerating and talks are still going on. Rumours has it that if the internal conflict inside the APC gets terrible, the governor might consider decamping to another party.

The key question at hand is whether Biodun Oyebanji would be the first governor of Ekiti to serve two terms in a row or if history will repeat itself with an early resignation followed by a political comeback later on. Only time will tell, as they say.

One thing must be evident to all gladiators regardless of how the political drama plays out: no goal is worth a citizen’s life. Anything less would be a betrayal of the people and the democracy we profess to uphold, and Ekiti deserves an election free from violence and without bloodshed.