Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has officially emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2026 election, following a unanimous consensus affirmation by party delegates on Monday in Ado-Ekiti.
The exercise, held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, saw 885 delegates from the state’s 16 local government areas endorse Oyebanji’s candidacy after the voluntary withdrawal of the only other cleared aspirant, Mrs. Atinuke Omolayo.
The special nomination congress was supervised by a 10-member APC committee led by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo serving as deputy chairman and Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu as secretary.
During the session, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved the motion to ratify Oyebanji’s nomination as the party’s consensus candidate in line with Section 84 (9) of the Electoral Act, 2022. “I, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, hereby move that this Ekiti Special Nomination Congress ratify the nomination of His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji, as the consensus governorship candidate of the APC,” he declared.
The motion was seconded by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen, who hailed the decision as “a defining moment in the political history of Ekiti and the APC.”
Oyebanji Dedicates Victory to God, Promises Consolidation of Gains
Visibly elated, Governor Oyebanji broke into a worship song alongside his wife in gratitude to God, dedicating his reaffirmation to divine grace.
In his acceptance speech, the governor expressed deep appreciation to the party’s leadership, delegates, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to consolidate on his administration’s achievements.“I am deeply honoured by this rare privilege you have given me for the second time. If words fail to capture my gratitude, please forgive my bluntness. I remain eternally indebted to you all,” Oyebanji said.
Describing the consensus adoption as a milestone in Ekiti’s political journey, Oyebanji noted that it symbolized “maturity, unity, and stability” within the APC. “This decision marks a new phase of political development in Ekiti. The unity we have achieved today will strengthen our stability as a party and as a state,” he added.
He also commended the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and President Tinubu for their guidance and support, assuring that he would continue to deliver people-centered governance.
Tight Security and Party Unity
The event was held under tight security, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) stationed at strategic locations to ensure order.
Vehicular movement around the pavilion was restricted, and checkpoints were mounted on adjoining routes.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also hosted members of the APC Committee on Consensus Primaries at his Ado-Ekiti residence ahead of the congress, describing Oyebanji’s endorsement as “a testament to unity and maturity within the party.”
“The decision to affirm Governor Oyebanji reflects a shared commitment to continuity and development,” Fayemi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
APC Confirms Consensus Process
Earlier, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, announced the party’s decision to adopt a consensus method over direct primaries — a move approved by the NWC in compliance with the Electoral Act.
“The shift to consensus followed the voluntary withdrawal of Mrs. Atinuke Omolayo, leaving Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the sole cleared aspirant,” Morka explained.
With his confirmation, Governor Oyebanji now stands as the official APC flagbearer in the 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election, positioning the ruling party for what is expected to be a decisive contest in the state’s political landscape.
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