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In an interview with Arise Tv, on Saturday June 20th, 2026, the current governorship race in Ekiti State has the potential to deliver a historic conclusion, according to political scientist Obafemi George.
This is because the state’s political history since 1999 has been characterised by frequent shifts in power.
During his election analysis with Arise News, George stated that the incumbent had substantial advantages over his opponents. He claims the governor is unquestionably the frontrunner due to his incumbency, extensive grassroots network, and broad support across party lines.
According to George, who looked at the election records of the state, Ekiti politics has always been quite contested, with control going back and forth between different groups and individuals.
“Since 1999, Ekiti politics has moved from one party to another, and governors who did two terms had to come back later,” he said.
He elaborated by saying that prior governors who served two terms did not necessarily do so consecutively, frequently re-entering the position after a hiatus of several years. Therefore, the incumbent’s victory would represent a major break with the state’s long-standing political tradition.
According to George, the political climate in Ekiti was marked by frequent changes in leadership, including impeachments, electoral upsets, and the return of previous governors. As a result, the state rarely saw uninterrupted tenure.
Voter turnout has been steadily falling, according to the expert, who also said that the lack of formidable opposition candidates has dampened the passion usually felt during the state’s governorship races.
The candidate from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC) doesn’t have the statewide organization to oppose the incumbent, he said.
If George were to be re-elected governor of Ekiti, he would set a new standard in the state’s politics and demonstrate the governor’s increasing influence, in his words.
