* Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
By Ibidapo Olowolayemo, Ibadan
Tuesday October 28, 2025
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The All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday, affirmed Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its sole governorship candidate for the 2026 election in Ekiti State.
The consensus affirmation exercise, held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, saw 885 delegates from the 16 local government areas of the state endorse Oyebanji who is seeking a second term in office.
The special nomination congress was supervised by a 10-member committee chaired by Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo, with his Edo State counterpart, Monday Okpebholo, serving as deputy chairman and Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu as secretary.
Oyebanji’s candidacy was officially ratified, following the voluntary withdrawal of the only other cleared aspirant, Mrs. Atinuke Omolayo.
During the session, Senate Leader and APC chieftain, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the ratification of Oyebanji’s nomination, citing Section 84 (9) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The motion was seconded by Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, who described the decision as a landmark moment for the party.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the party leadership, delegates, and President Bola Tinubu for their support and confidence in his leadership.
“I am honoured and appreciative of this rare privilege which you are giving for the second time. If words fail to fully express the depth of my excitement and gratitude, please forgive my bluntness; I will eternally be indebted to you all,” he said.
Oyebanji described the affirmation as a milestone in Ekiti’s political development, noting that it reflected unity, maturity, and stability within the party.
“This decision to make me the consensus candidate for a second term is unprecedented. All our leaders are united and have accepted the party’s decision in good faith. This gesture of unity will strengthen our stability as a party and as a state,” he added.
The governor also commended President Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee (NWC), led by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for guiding the process, pledging to consolidate on his administration’s achievements.
Heavy security presence was observed around the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, with operatives of the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) ensuring a peaceful exercise. Vehicular movement around the venue was also restricted, and checkpoints were mounted along major access routes.
Former governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who earlier hosted members of the state APC consensus committee at his residence, described Oyebanji’s adoption as a reflection of unity and maturity within the party.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, explained that the consensus arrangement was approved by the NWC after Omolayo’s withdrawal, in accordance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
With Monday’s affirmation, Governor Oyebanji is now officially the APC standardbearer for the 2026 governorship election in the state.
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