The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election after a sweeping victory across all 16 local government areas of the state.

INEC Returning Officer, Professor Adenike Oladiji, announced the result in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, confirming that Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Wole Oluyede of the PDP, who secured 40,543 votes. ADC candidate Dare Bejide came third with 12,872 votes.

The victory makes Oyebanji the first incumbent governor in Ekiti State’s history to secure re-election while in office.

Final Results

APC – 319,224 votes

PDP – 40,543 votes

ADC – 12,872 votes

LP – 276 votes

ADP – 1,269 votes

According to INEC, the election recorded over 383,000 accredited voters from a registered voter population of nearly one million across the state.

Oyebanji dominated the poll in all 16 local government areas, posting particularly strong performances in Ado-Ekiti, Ijero, Ekiti West, Irepodun/Ifelodun, and Ikole LGAs.

The election was closely monitored by political parties, observers, and security agencies, with the outcome reinforcing the APC’s hold on power in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has unveiled Mustapha Kwankwaso as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Kano State, pairing him with the party’s governorship flagbearer, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement. His emergence is being viewed as a strategic move that could strengthen the party’s grassroots appeal ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.

The announcement was confirmed on Monday by party and movement officials, who described the selection as part of efforts to promote unity, inclusiveness, and effective representation within the NDC.

Gwarzo, a former deputy governor of Kano State, had earlier emerged as the NDC’s governorship candidate following consultations among party leaders and stakeholders. His candidacy is seen as a key component of the party’s strategy to challenge for power in the state in 2027.

Political observers believe the choice of Mustapha Kwankwaso could reshape alliances within Kano’s political landscape, given the influence of the Kwankwasiyya movement and the continued relevance of the Kwankwaso political family in the state’s affairs.

With the election cycle gradually taking shape, attention is expected to focus on how the Gwarzo-Mustapha ticket positions itself against rival parties and candidates in what is likely to be a highly competitive race.

Global energy markets are in freefall after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a breakthrough deal with Iran to end the war and completely reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz.

​In immediate response to the diplomatic breakthrough, Brent crude—the global oil benchmark—dropped sharply by 4.7% to $83.24 (£61.94) a barrel. Financial markets reacted with a massive sigh of relief, sending shares in Asia and Europe jumping as geopolitical tensions eased.

​The historic agreement was reached with the help of Pakistan, which has served as a key mediator throughout the conflict. According to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the United States and Iran are scheduled to formally sign a memorandum of understanding in Switzerland this Friday. Trump further confirmed on Sunday that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports would end, and promised that the Strait of Hormuz would be open “toll free.”

​The resolution comes after a devastating three-month disruption to the global economy. The world has lost millions of barrels of oil and gas supply since the war closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint that handles a fifth of the world’s total oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Relief is expected to materialize over the coming weeks. According to Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency, the draft deal calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days under Iranian arrangements, paving the way for a full restoration of global energy trade.