Millions of voters across seven states are heading to the polls today in one of the country’s most significant electoral exercises since the 2023 general election, with the Ekiti governorship election taking centre stage alongside a series of senatorial, House of Representatives and state assembly by-elections.
Election officials, ad hoc personnel, security operatives and logistics teams were seen making final preparations in the early hours of the day as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to polling units. At the Registration Area Centre (RAC) located at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School, Irona, Ado-Ekiti, INEC officials, drivers and electoral personnel assembled ahead of deployment across the state.
The spotlight remains firmly on the Ekiti governorship election, where Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking a fresh mandate amid competition from candidates of ten opposition parties.
With 1,059,360 registered voters expected to participate, political observers are closely monitoring turnout levels and voting patterns across the state’s 16 local government areas. Among the major challengers are Ambassador Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), widely regarded as the opposition consensus candidate, and Dr. Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Other candidates in the race include:
- Akande Oluwasegun Samuel (AAC)
- Opeyemi Falegan (Accord)
- Ayodeji Ojo (ADP)
- Bidemi Olaiya Awogbemi (APP)
- Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin (Labour Party)
- Abegunde Ayobami Blessing (NNPP)
- Olaniyi Olanrewaju Ayodele (PRP)
- Owoola Daramola (YPP)
- Victor Damilola Adetunji (ZLP)
While analysts consider the APC, ADC and PDP candidates as the leading contenders, smaller parties could still influence the outcome by affecting vote margins in closely contested areas.
Beyond the Ekiti governorship election, voters in four states are also participating in senatorial by-elections to fill vacant seats in the National Assembly. The contests are taking place in: Enugu State, Rivers State, Ondo State, Nasarawa State
The outcomes are expected to shape political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections and could alter party strength within the Senate.
In addition to the senatorial contests, voters in Kano State are participating in a House of Representatives by-election, while a state assembly by-election is taking place in Kebbi State. Political parties have intensified last-minute mobilisation efforts in both states, viewing the elections as important tests of grassroots support and organisational strength.
Security agencies have deployed personnel across affected states to maintain order and safeguard the electoral process. INEC has also coordinated the movement of electoral materials and personnel to ensure timely commencement of voting. Election observers are expected to monitor compliance with electoral guidelines, voter accreditation procedures and the overall conduct of the polls.
Today’s elections represent a major test of Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly the Ekiti governorship election, which has attracted national attention due to its political significance and the number of parties participating.
As voting progresses from Ekiti to Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Nasarawa, Kano and Kebbi, stakeholders will be watching closely for turnout figures, voting trends and eventual results that could influence the country’s political landscape in the months ahead.
