Our Correspondent | Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been officially confirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2026 governorship election, following a consensus affirmation held on Monday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.
The exercise, described by party leaders as historic, saw 885 delegates from the 16 local government areas of the state endorse Oyebanji’s bid for a second term in office.
The special nomination congress was supervised by a 10-member committee led by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo serving as deputy chairman and Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu as secretary.
The process followed the voluntary withdrawal of the only other cleared aspirant, Mrs Atinuke Omolayo, paving the way for a unanimous adoption of Oyebanji’s candidacy.
Moving the motion for the ratification, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said the decision aligned with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 and reflected the party’s internal cohesion.
“I move that this Special Nomination Congress ratifies the nomination of His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji, as the consensus gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Ekiti State,” Bamidele declared.
The motion was seconded by Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen, who hailed the decision as a “historic milestone” for the ruling party.
Oyebanji Thanks Delegates, Promises Consolidation of Gains
In an emotional acceptance speech, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the delegates, party leadership, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their trust and support.
“I am honoured and deeply grateful for this rare privilege to fly our party’s flag once again. This decision reflects our collective unity and political maturity in Ekiti,” Oyebanji said.
He described his affirmation as a “new phase of stability and unity” within the APC, pledging to consolidate the achievements of his administration in his next term.
“Our leaders have closed ranks. Those who had shown interest have accepted the party’s decision in good faith. This unity will strengthen our stability as a party and as a state,” he added.
Security Tight as APC Leaders Laud Party Unity
Heavy security presence was observed around the venue, with operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ensuring a hitch-free process. Vehicular movement was restricted around the Pavilion and adjoining routes.
Former Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi described Oyebanji’s adoption as a reflection of “unity and political maturity”, noting that the party had taken a major step toward electoral stability.
“We held a productive engagement ahead of the congress, which officially ratified Governor Oyebanji as our party’s candidate. This outcome demonstrates our collective focus on progress,” Fayemi said.
The APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had earlier approved the switch from direct primaries to a consensus model, in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
“The decision followed the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, leaving Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the sole contender,” Morka stated.
With the confirmation, Oyebanji now stands as the APC flagbearer for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, a contest observers say will test the ruling party’s internal unity and public approval ahead of national polls.