By Oluwagbemiga ‘Toye
As the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State draws closer, the political atmosphere presents a mix of quiet tension, visible dominance, and unanswered questions. With less than four months to the poll, the expected buzz of rallies, aggressive voter engagement, and robust inter-party contestation appears largely muted—particularly among opposition parties.
A tour of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, tells a clear visual story. Major roads and strategic locations—Okesa, Fajuyi, Adebayo, Bawa, Iworoko Road, Basiri, Ajilosun, Ikere Road, Polytechnic Road, Bank Road, and New Iyin Road—are awash with billboards and posters of the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji. The sheer volume and spread of these campaign materials have given the city a fresh political outlook, signalling the ruling party’s readiness and confidence.
In sharp contrast, billboards or posters belonging to opposition parties are scarcely visible. The absence is most striking for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), both regarded as the strongest challengers to the ruling party in the state.
Within Ado-Ekiti, it is difficult to find campaign materials of opposition candidates. Even in Ikere-Ekiti, only two billboards reportedly bear the image of the PDP candidate, OLUYEDE, while the ADC candidate’s presence is almost non-existent across major streets of the capital.
This quietness has fueled speculation among residents and political observers: have the PDP and ADC resigned themselves to fate, or is this a tactical lull ahead of full-scale campaigns?
Part of the explanation may lie in ongoing legal battles. Court cases involving both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP have continued to cast uncertainty over their internal processes and candidacies. These litigations are believed to have slowed mobilisation and dampened campaign momentum.
Interestingly, the ADC candidate, Dare Bejide, is free from court encumbrances. However, internal party disagreements, structural weaknesses and lean purse appear to be limiting the ADC’s capacity to effectively project its candidate and message to the electorate.
Supporters of Governor Oyebanji argue that the current imbalance in political visibility is not accidental but performance-driven. They point to what they describe as the governor’s “giant strides” across key sectors—infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education, tourism, agriculture, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.
According to this view, the administration’s achievements have not only improved living conditions but also fostered relative peace and stability across Ekiti State, giving the incumbent a strong edge as the election approaches. For many voters, these tangible projects may outweigh campaign rhetoric, reinforcing the APC’s confidence.
The Missing Opposition Voice
Beyond the physical absence of billboards, the opposition’s silence is also evident in the media space. PDP and ADC leaders and candidates are rarely heard on radio or seen engaging communities at the grassroots level. This lack of visibility and engagement has further strengthened the perception that the race may be tilting heavily in favour of the incumbent.
Political analysts warn, however, that elections are not won solely on billboards or early dominance. Voter sentiment can shift rapidly, especially if opposition parties resolve their internal crises, conclude legal battles, and begin active mobilisation closer to election day.
Looking Ahead to June 20
As Ekiti residents watch developments unfold, much will depend on how the three major parties—APC, PDP, and ADC—navigate the weeks ahead. Court rulings, party unity, campaign strategies, and voter outreach will collectively shape the final outcome.
While the ruling party appears firmly on ground, the opposition still has time to reassert itself if it can overcome legal and organisational hurdles. Ultimately, the actions—and inactions—of these parties will determine who governs Ekiti State from October 2026 to 2030.
For now, the silence of the opposition remains the loudest question in Ekiti’s unfolding political story.