Ekiti guber: Oyebanji clinches APC ticket

News Update

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has formally emerged as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 governorship election.

Oyebanji was affirmed through a voice vote by 885 delegates from the 16 local government areas during a congress held at the Ekiti State Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

Oyebanji’s adoption followed the withdrawal of Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo and the disqualification of two other aspirants, Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olajumoke.

Omolayo, who stepped down during the primary, said her decision was based on Oyebanji’s “sterling performance and commitment to Ekiti’s development.”

She declared full support for his re-election bid, describing her withdrawal as an act of loyalty to the party.

“Governor Oyebanji has performed excellently well. His achievements in infrastructure, governance and inclusiveness speak volumes. He deserves a second term, and that is why I am stepping down to support him fully,” she said.

Chairman of the Affirmation Congress Committee and Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, said the consensus was not an imposition but a collective decision by the party.

“The adoption of Oyebanji is a way to allow the good works of the APC government in Ekiti to continue,” he noted.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebanji thanked President Bola Tinubu, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and other APC leaders for their support.

He promised to continue promoting unity within the party, saying, “Be assured there is no victor or vanquished. We are in this together to lift Ekiti higher.”