By Ayo Kehinde
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates cleared to contest the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, excluding the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wole Oluyede.
The list, made public on Monday, and signed by INEC National Commissioner, Mrs Rose Oraran-Anthony, contains the names of governorship candidates and their running mates from 12 political parties cleared for the poll.
According to the commission, those approved include candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and other parties.
The incumbent governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, 58, will seek re-election on the platform of the APC, with Monisade Afuye, 67, as his running mate.
The Labour Party is fielding Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji, 67, with legal practitioner, Okumade Ayokunle Odumayo, as deputy governorship candidate.
Among the younger aspirants are Abegunde Ayobami Blessing, 35, of the NNPP, and Akande Oluwasegun Samuel, 36, of the African Action Congress (AAC), with John Fajuyigbe Oluwasanmi as his running mate.
Other cleared candidates include Bejide Oluwadare Patrick (ADC), Ojo Ayodeji (ADP), Anifowose Joseph Olanrewaju (APM), Awogbemi Bidemi Olaiya (APP), Ayodele Olaniyi Olanrewaju Praise (PRP), Osinkolu Olusegun Ayodele (YPP), and Adetunji Victor Damilola (ZLP).
INEC noted that the candidates’ educational qualifications range from primary school certificates to doctorate degrees, reflecting wide diversity among the contestants, a development that has sparked discussions among political stakeholders and voters in the state.
With the release of the final list, approved candidates are expected to commence statewide campaigns from Wednesday across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State.
Meanwhile, the PDP has filed a notice of stay of execution of the court judgement that disqualified its candidate, Oluyede, and has also lodged an appeal against the ruling.
