BY LAW IBITOYE
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally endorsed the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, as its consensus flag bearer for the 2026 governorship election.
The ratification took place on Monday during a Special Nomination Congress held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, where 885 accredited delegates from the 16 local government areas of the state unanimously affirmed Oyebanji’s candidacy.
The decision followed the voluntary withdrawal of the only other cleared aspirant, Mrs. Atinuke Omolayo, leaving Oyebanji as the sole contender in the race.
The congress was supervised by a 10-member committee led by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, Edo State Governor, senator Monday Okpebholo,as deputy chairman and Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu as secretary.
Moving the motion for Oyebanji’s confirmation, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the process as consistent with the Electoral Act 2022, while Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, seconded the motion, calling the outcome a watershed moment for the party.
An elated Oyebanji, joined by his wife, rendered songs of praise in appreciation to God before delivering his acceptance speech. The governor expressed deep gratitude to the party leadership, President Bola Tinubu, and the APC National Working Committee for their confidence in him.
“This is a historic moment in our political development, and it signals a trend towards stability that began in 2022,” he said. “The decision to make me the consensus candidate for a second time is unprecedented. I remain honoured and grateful for this rare privilege.”
Oyebanji commended party stakeholders and former aspirants for embracing unity ahead of the 2026 governorship contest, assuring that he would continue to prioritize the growth and wellbeing of the people of Ekiti State.
“We are united and working together as one family. This collective resolve will strengthen both our party and the state,” he added. He added that the concensor process has put an end to crises among party members, wastage of money and properties that might arise from violence.
Security was tightened around the congress venue with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to maintain peace. Vehicular movement was restricted with checkpoints mounted around major access routes.
Ahead of the exercise, former Governor Kayode Fayemi hosted members of the APC consensus primary committee, describing the endorsement of Oyebanji as a demonstration of “unity and maturity” within the party.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, had earlier announced the adoption of the consensus arrangement following Omolayo’s withdrawal, stressing that the process complied with party regulations and the Electoral Act.
Oyebanji’s ratification sets the stage for a stronger APC footing as Ekiti prepares for the 2026 governorship election.