Ekiti 2026: Zoning, rivalries, battle for power reignite old political fires

As activities gear up ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, old questions have resurfaced about zoning, trust, party supremacy and the state’s complex political history that continues to shape its democratic future.

Although parties are yet to conduct primary elections to select their flag bearers, electioneering has begun with actors declaring their interests to run for the most coveted office in the state.

Ekiti’s return to civil rule in 1999 under the Fourth Republic began with Otunba Niyi Adebayo of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the son of Nigeria’s former military governor, General Adeyinka Adebayo.

His one-term stint gave way to the political juggernaut that would define the early 2000s in Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, elected in 2003.

Fayose’s first tenure was cut short by impeachment in 2006 amid allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

Though controversial, the impeachment set off a wave of instability, a succession of acting governors, including the then Speaker of the House and eventually General Tunji Olurin as administrator, before the emergence of Engineer Segun Oni, also of the PDP.

Oni’s time in office was itself contested. Kayode Fayemi of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) challenged the results of the 2007 election, and after a prolonged legal battle, Oni was sacked in 2010, making way for Fayemi.

Thus began a fierce rivalry between the PDP and the ACN (later APC), a pattern that still defines Ekiti politics today.

Since 1999, power in Ekiti has rotated largely between Ekiti Central and Ekiti North. The South Senatorial District, which include Ekiti East, Ekiti South West, Emure, Aiyekire (Gbonyin), Ikere, and Ise/Orun, has long complained of marginalization.

Despite producing political heavyweights, such as Adebayo Clement Adeyeye, it remains the only district yet to complete a full term in the governor’s seat.

Segun Oni, who hails from Ekiti North, only got a partial term. Fayemi (Ekiti North) had two terms. Fayose (Ekiti Central) also served two terms. The current governor, Biodun Oyebanji, hails from Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti Central.

Ahead of 2026, voices from Ekiti South, including traditional rulers, youth associations, and political leaders, have grown louder, demanding that justice and equity be done through zoning.

The clamour for zoning has again been brought to the front burner despite the incumbent, Oyabenji seeking re-election.

The argument is that every major district should have a fair shot at the governorship to foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging.

Although zoning of political offices has never been an issue in Ekiti politics from time immemorial, the clamour for power shift to Ekiti South ahead of next year’s election is already giving Governor Oyebanji and the leadership of his party and the opposition PDP headache and sleepless nights.

Political pundits opined that next year’s election is widely expected to be a fierce contest among the three districts, but Ekiti South is insisting that it is its turn to occupy the most exalted seat in the state.

Soji Solomon, a former chairman of the APC in Emure, Ekiti South, has strongly criticized the long-standing marginalization of the region in the state’s political leadership.

He expressed that the 2026 governorship election offers the best opportunity for the ruling party to right this historic wrong.

In a conversation with our report in Ado-Ekiti, Solomon stated: “For years, Ekiti South has been sidelined in the power equation. We have capable, qualified leaders, but the political structure has consistently overlooked us.

“The upcoming 2026 election is the perfect moment for the APC to address this imbalance.

“It is time to give the South its rightful chance to lead this state, and I believe the party must rise to this challenge, or risk alienating a significant portion of its base.”

Ahead of the 2026 Governorship election in Ekiti, a group of concerned politicians across the registered political parties has emerged under the umbrella of ‘EKITI NEW DIMENSION’, with the sole aim of rescuing the state from what they describe as the “clueless government” of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group’s spokesperson, Chief Segun Akinwumi, outlined the movement’s conservative vision and its commitment to revitalising governance in Ekiti.

Akinwumi said the new coalition intends to offer an alternative political direction, unite disenchanted leaders across party lines, and “unseat the current government that has failed to meet the aspirations of the people.”

The ruling APC retains a strong hold on Ekiti, especially with Oyebanji’s relatively calm administration and continuity from the Fayemi legacy. However, internal party tensions remain, particularly around succession planning and zoning within the party.

The PDP, tagged the main opposition but now weakened nationally and within Ekiti, is searching for a revival.

Adding further intrigue to the developing political scene, a chieftain of the PDP, Emmanuel Fayose, has declared his intention to join the 2026 Ekiti gubernatorial race.

Fayose, the immediate younger brother of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, made his declaration in Ado-Ekiti while addressing reporters.

He expressed confidence in securing the PDP ticket and ultimately unseating incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC.

According to him, his decision is driven by a burning desire to reposition the state and restore people’s trust in governance.

“I am not just riding on my name. I have a vision and capacity to deliver transformative governance in Ekiti. The state deserves more, and I believe I represent the generational shift and seriousness our people need,” he said.

Analysts believe that his brother and former governor, Ayodele Fayose may still influence the race, directly or indirectly.

The belief in some quarters is that Ayo Fayose would be running his brother’s third term agenda despite him giving his nod to the incumbent Oyebanji recently at an event at Ado Ekiti.

There’s also talk of a “third force,” possibly a Labour Party or Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate emerging to disrupt the APC-PDP duopoly, though Ekiti has not historically embraced third-party candidates.

The interplay of zoning demands, old rivalries, emerging political forces, and questions of equity are shaping what could be the most unpredictable gubernatorial election in the state’s history.

The coming months will test the strength of party structures, the sincerity of political actors and the resolve of the electorate.