Voters across Ekiti State are heading to the polls to elect the state’s next governor, with incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC, Wole Oluyede of the PDP and Dare Bejide of the ADC among the leading contenders in the race.

A total of 1,028,929 registered voters who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are eligible to participate in the election across the state’s 16 local government areas, 177 wards and 2,445 polling units.

Although 14 political parties are participating in the off-cycle governorship election, political observers have identified Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term, Oluyede and Bejide as the major contenders.

The election is being closely watched as a key political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections and a significant test of political strength in the South-West.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it deployed election materials, personnel, backup BVAS machines and technical support teams across the state to ensure a smooth voting process, while security agencies mobilised personnel to maintain law and order during the exercise.

Voting commenced in the morning across polling units, with results expected to be collated and announced by INEC after the conclusion of the exercise.