Ekiti APC affirms Oyebanji as 2026 governorship candidate

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, Ado-Ekiti, saw 885 delegates from all 16 local government areas 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 Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo as deputy chairman and Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu as secretary.

Oyebanji’s candidacy was ratified following the voluntary withdrawal of Mrs Atinuke Omolayo, the only other cleared aspirant.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion for Oyebanji’s ratification, citing Section 84 (9) of the Electoral Act (2022).
Speaker Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye seconded the motion, describing the decision as a “landmark moment for the party.”

In his acceptance speech, Oyebanji thanked the party leadership, delegates, and President Bola Tinubu for their confidence and support.

“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.

He described the affirmation as a “milestone in Ekiti’s political development,” saying it reflected unity, maturity, and stability within the APC.
“The decision to make me the consensus candidate for a second term is unprecedented. All our leaders have accepted the party’s decision in good faith. This gesture of unity will strengthen our stability as a party and as a state,” Oyebanji added.

Former Governor Kayode Fayemi hailed the process as a sign of maturity within the party, while APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka confirmed that the consensus arrangement was duly approved by the National Working Committee (NWC).

Heavy security was deployed around the venue to ensure a peaceful exercise.

With Monday’s affirmation, Oyebanji is now officially the APC’s standard-bearer for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.