Ekiti State is gearing up for its next governorship election, scheduled for June 20, 2026, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having set a timetable for the electoral process. The incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who won the last election on June 18, 2022, is seeking a second term. Political parties are mandated by INEC to elect their candidates through primary elections between October 20 and November 10, 2025, and many parties are already deep in the process of selecting their flag bearers.

In the ruling APC, four individuals initially expressed interest in the governorship ticket: Governor Oyebanji, Engr. Kayode Ojo, Atinuke Omolayo, and Abimbola Olawumi. Following a screening process led by Hon. Raheem Olawuyi, Oyebanji and Omolayo were cleared. Olawumi was disqualified for failing to provide evidence of being a financially up-to-date party member, while Ojo received provisional clearance but was later disqualified by the National Working Committee due to petitions and failure to meet the mandatory nominator threshold. Atinuke Omolayo subsequently withdrew from the contest. The APC national leadership, moving away from a previously indicated direct primary, announced its decision to adopt a consensus mode for the October 27 governorship primary election. Governor Oyebanji enjoys widespread support from party members, leaders, and influential stakeholders, including former governors and National Assembly members, a rare show of unity in the state's political landscape.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also preparing for its primary election on November 8, despite grappling with national leadership crises and state-level legal battles over congresses. Aspirants for the PDP ticket include Australia-based medical doctor Dr. Wole Oluyede, former Commissioner for Works Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun, aviation expert Otunba Peter Obafemi, and Funso Ayeni. Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, who initially showed interest, resigned his PDP membership in September, citing the party's internal wrangling and lack of direction, before joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The state caretaker chairman, Chief Dare Adeleke, confirmed that the four remaining aspirants have been cleared, assuring a seamless and rancour-free primary, potentially through consensus.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), which gained prominence in the state in July, has six aspirants vying for its ticket: former SSG and Ambassador to Canada, Chief Dare Bajide; Prof. Olumuyiwa Babalola; Barr. Babafemi Adegbite; Mr. Ayodele David Adesua; Prince Adeyinka Alli; and Emmanuel Fayose, who joined from PDP. The party's primary is expected soon, with forms to be made available. Former Deputy Governor and 2018 PDP governorship candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, currently the ADC coordinator in the state, is also expected to join the race.

For the Social Democratic Party (SDP), three notable aspirants are Chief David Olusesan Arowolo, Engr. Oludele Bankole, and Hon. Ben Olaniyi Agboola. Bankole was the party’s governorship candidate in 2022. The SDP faces challenges due to a defection in the State House of Assembly and the detachment of former Governor Segun Oni, which has impacted its vibrancy and popularity. The party is awaiting directives from its national headquarters regarding the conduct of its primary.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ekiti State has two aspirants, Prof. Adebayo Williams and Hon. Blessing Abegunde, who are set to contest the party's shadow election on November 8. INEC, through its Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Adenike Aribisala, confirmed its readiness to monitor the primary elections conducted by all political parties.

Political analysts and public affairs commentators, such as Dr. Oladeji Olayide of Ekiti State University and Elder Ayo Arogundade, emphasize the critical importance of internal party democracy. They advocate for transparency, credibility, and widespread participation of all party members in the primary election process, regardless of whether a direct, indirect, or consensus mode is adopted. They also urged politicians to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the primaries, prioritizing the quality of candidates and the overall peace of the state.