Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has been officially confirmed as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 governorship election.
The ratification took place yesterday in Ado-Ekiti during a special nomination exercise conducted by the APC Governorship Primary Committee, chaired by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, alongside Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who served as vice chairman.
Governor Oyebanji’s candidacy was unanimously adopted through a voice vote by 885 delegates drawn from the 177 wards across the 16 local government areas of the state, following a motion moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye.
In his acceptance remarks, Governor Oyebanji appealed to party members and supporters to avoid divisive rhetoric, character attacks, and internal wrangling. He emphasized the need for unity within the party ahead of the 2026 governorship poll.
He extended an olive branch to his former challenger, Kayode Ojo, and other aspirants, urging them to join forces with him to secure victory for the party and consolidate support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“History is being made today. This endorsement reflects the will of our members. I am grateful for your trust and I accept this nomination with a deep sense of responsibility. There is no winner or loser in this process. We are all united in our commitment to serve Ekiti people,” Oyebanji said.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership role in facilitating a smooth and peaceful consensus arrangement, describing the outcome as a symbol of political maturity.
Chairman of the committee, Governor Usman Ododo, clarified that the consensus agreement was the collective decision of the APC leadership and stakeholders in Ekiti State, and not imposed by any individual or group.
“The adoption of Governor Oyebanji is a strategic choice aimed at ensuring stability and continuity of the development agenda already being executed by the APC administration in Ekiti,” Ododo stated.
Oyebanji urged party members to work harmoniously to avoid past mistakes where internal conflicts denied the progressive bloc a second-term mandate in the state.
