APC Picks Oyebanji For Second Term in Ekiti
Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the June 20, 2026 election, following a unanimous affirmation by 885 delegates across the state’s 16 local government areas.
The affirmation, which took place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, was moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and seconded by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, before it was approved through a thunderous voice vote from the delegates.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting internal democracy within the APC and thanked party stakeholders for their support.
He pledged to sustain his administration’s “shared prosperity” agenda and vowed to “break the second-term jinx” in Ekiti politics.
“I have been around for nearly three decades as an active participant in the politics of our state. This is the first time a ruling party in Ekiti will be presenting a candidate by consensus. It is a sign of political maturity and stability,” Oyebanji said.
He commended Mrs. Atinuke Omolayo for withdrawing voluntarily from the race, describing her decision as a mark of discipline and belief in the APC’s internal democratic process. Oyebanji also extended a hand of fellowship to disqualified aspirant, Engr. Kayode Ojo, urging all members to unite ahead of the polls.
“To Engr. Kayode Ojo, I extend my hands of fellowship and cooperation. Let us work together and win together. There is no victor, no vanquished — we have all won,” he added.
Speaking on the significance of the consensus approach, Oyebanji noted, “The era of rancour and division within our party is over. What we are doing today is a template of unity and political understanding. We must all return to our wards and work hard. No one should take the people of Ekiti for granted.”
Chairman of the Affirmation Congress Committee and Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who supervised the exercise alongside his Edo State counterpart, Senator Monday Okpebholo, described the process as credible and in line with constitutional provisions.
Ododo dismissed claims of imposition, saying, “This consensus is not a product of compulsion but a collective decision. It is a lawful and transparent process that demonstrates maturity and readiness for victory in 2026.”
He further praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their professionalism during the exercise, noting that the Ekiti model “sets a standard for peaceful internal party democracy in Nigeria.”
Governor Ododo formally presented the APC flag to Oyebanji, commending President Tinubu and the party’s National Working Committee for their guidance and support.
Among dignitaries at the event were the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye; former Governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi; Senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Yemi Adaramodu, and Cyril Fasuyi; as well as members of the National and State Assemblies, and other APC stalwarts.
