Oyebanji emerges APC governorship candidate for 2026 Ekiti election

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been confirmed as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 election in Ekiti State following a consensus affirmation exercise held on Monday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

A total of 885 delegates from the state’s 16 local government areas endorsed Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term in office.

The special nomination congress, supervised by a 10-member committee chaired by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, officially ratified Oyebanji’s candidacy after the voluntary withdrawal of Mrs Atinuke Omolayo, the only other cleared aspirant.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo served as deputy chairman of the committee, while Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu acted as secretary.

During the session, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion for the ratification of Oyebanji’s nomination as the party’s consensus candidate.

“I, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, hereby move a motion that this Ekiti Special Nomination Congress ratify the nomination of His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji, as the consensus gubernatorial candidate of the Ekiti State APC, according to Section 84, Subsection 9 of the Electoral Act, 2022. I so move,” he declared.

The motion was seconded by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Stephen, who described the decision as a “historic moment” for the party.

Following the ratification, Oyebanji, accompanied by his wife, offered songs of worship and expressed gratitude to God, the party delegates, and President Bola Tinubu.

Delivering his acceptance speech, the governor thanked the APC leadership and members for entrusting him with the party’s ticket for a second time.

“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,” Oyebanji said.

He described the event as a milestone in Ekiti’s political history, symbolising unity and maturity within the party.

“This is a historic moment in our political development, and it signals a trend towards stability that began in 2022. The decision to make me the consensus candidate for a second time is unprecedented,” he added.

Oyebanji commended party stakeholders for closing ranks and promoting peace ahead of the 2026 polls.
“All our leaders are united to work together. Those who had shown interest 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 said.

The governor also extended appreciation to President Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee (NWC) for their guidance throughout the process.

“We are immensely grateful to Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his leadership, and to the NWC under Professor Nentawe Yilwatda for guiding this process,” Oyebanji said.

He pledged to consolidate on the gains of his administration and continue delivering on his promises to the people of Ekiti State.