3 Factors That Could Cost APC Victory in Ekiti Governorship Election
- Voters in Ekiti state face a choice between continuity and change in the upcoming 2026 governorship election
- APC's incumbency may be challenged by voter fatigue and a likely desire for new leadership in the prominent southwest state
- The prevailing national economic hardship and potential religious grievances in Ekiti could influence the outcome of the election
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over nine years of experience covering politics, elections, public affairs, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state - Voters in Ekiti state head to the polls on Saturday, June 20, 2026, to elect a governor for the next four years.
Attention is focused on whether the state will choose continuity or change.
Source: Twitter
The current governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji, assumed office on October 16, 2022, serving under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Will voters back the incumbent governor for a second term? Or will they reshape the state’s political landscape by backing another candidate?
In this report, Legit.ng highlights three key factors that could cost the APC victory in the Ekiti governorship election.
Ekiti: APC faces 3 obstacles
1) Ekiti 2026: Voter fatigue
Voters in Ekiti may be inclined toward change, given that the APC has been in power since 2018.
Analysts suggest that some voters could view the ruling party as having become complacent and may now be seeking a shift in leadership.
Aside from the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also stands a good chance of winning the Ekiti state governorship election.
2) Ekiti election: Possible religious grievance
Since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, Ekiti has not had an elected governor who is a Muslim.
Some adherents of Islam in the state may feel underrepresented and could express their grievances through the ballot.
3) Economic hardship in Nigeria
Soaring inflation and the cost-of-living crisis are major challenges for the APC-led federal government.
While the party maintains that its reforms are necessary for long-term national prosperity, political analysts identify the economy and insecurity as the most critical vulnerabilities for incumbents.
Legit.ng recalls that speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day address on Friday, June 12, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged that Nigerians nationwide are still grappling with economic hardship despite ongoing reforms by his administration aimed at stabilising the economy and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.
Despite the gains recorded, the Nigerian leader admitted that economic hardship remains a major challenge for many citizens.
He said, according to the Nigerian Tribune:
“Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity."
Source: Twitter
Voters in the Ekiti election may choose to register their dissatisfaction with Governor Oyebanji due to perceived lingering resentment in some quarters towards President Tinubu. Messrs Oyebanji and Tinubu are allies.
Read more on Ekiti election 2026:
- Meet the 4 youngest candidates contesting Ekiti governorship election
- Who Is Wole Oluyede? Key facts about PDP candidate in Ekiti governorship election
- Ekiti governorship election 2026: 3 candidates most likely to win and why
Analyst predicts winner of 2026 Ekiti election
Legit.ng earlier reported that a public affairs analyst, Donald Okwuosa, said Governor Oyebanji will likely be re-elected to office for a second tenure. Okwuosa said Governor Oyebanji of the APC will emerge victorious in the election.
The political analyst listed three reasons why Governor Oyebanji will come out victorious on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
According to Okwuosa, the incumbency factor, the game of sentiments, and Ekiti state being an APC stronghold will work in favour of Governor Oyebanji.
Source: Legit.ng
