In a significant development ahead of the 2025 Ekiti State Governorship Election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has solidified its internal processes by adopting the incumbent Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oye democ, as its consensus candidate. This move, which streamlines the party's nomination procedure, was formalized through an official communication to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on October 13, 2025. The decision reflects a strategic shift within the APC, emphasizing unity and consensus-building in a political landscape often marked by intense intra-party rivalries.
The APC's letter to INEC, a critical step in adhering to electoral guidelines, detailed a pivotal change in the mode of conducting the party's primary election. Initially planned as a direct primary—where party members vote directly for their preferred candidate—the process has been altered to a consensus arrangement. This adjustment is grounded in the legal framework provided by Section 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which allows parties flexibility in nomination methods under specific circumstances, such as when aspirants withdraw or agree to a unified choice.
To understand the backdrop, the APC had earlier cleared two aspirants for the primary contest: Governor Oyebanji, who has been at the helm of Ekiti State since assuming office, and Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, a notable figure within the party's ranks. The clearance of these individuals followed standard vetting procedures, ensuring compliance with party rules and electoral laws. However, the dynamics shifted dramatically when Mrs. Omolayo made the voluntary decision to step aside. Her withdrawal not only reduced the field to a single contender but also paved the way for the consensus adoption, avoiding what could have been a divisive internal battle.
In the official correspondence, the APC explicitly highlighted Mrs. Omolayo's actions. “The Party has received a letter from Mrs. Omolayo conveying her voluntary decision to withdraw from the contest and expressing her endorsement of Governor Oyebanji as the consensus candidate,” the document read. This endorsement underscores a spirit of camaraderie and party loyalty, qualities that the APC leadership has often touted as essential for electoral success. By endorsing Oyebanji, Mrs. Omolayo effectively rallied behind the governor, potentially bolstering his support base among party faithful and stakeholders in Ekiti State.
The letter was jointly signed by key APC national figures: Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman, and Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary. Their signatures lend authoritative weight to the decision, signaling top-level approval from the party's headquarters in Abuja. Dr. Ganduje, a seasoned politician with a history of navigating complex party affairs, has been instrumental in fostering cohesion within the APC since taking over the chairmanship. Similarly, Senator Basiru's role as secretary ensures that administrative and legal protocols are meticulously followed, safeguarding the party against potential challenges or litigations.
The rationale for switching to a consensus mode is straightforward yet legally sound. Under the Electoral Act, when multiple aspirants are cleared but one withdraws, leaving a sole candidate, the party can opt for consensus to ratify the remaining aspirant without proceeding to a full-fledged primary vote. This provision prevents unnecessary expenditures and logistical hurdles while promoting internal harmony. For the APC in Ekiti, this comes at a time when Governor Oyebanji's administration has focused on developmental agendas, including infrastructure, education, and agricultural reforms—initiatives that the party likely views as assets in the upcoming election.
To complete the formalities, the APC has scheduled a Special Nomination Congress for Monday, October 27, 2025. The event will take place at the Ekiti State Pavilion, located on New Iyin Road in Ado Ekiti, the state capital. This venue, a familiar site for political gatherings in the region, is expected to host party delegates, officials, and observers. The congress's primary objective is to affirm Governor Oyebanji as the sole aspirant and, by extension, the APC's flag bearer for the 2025 governorship poll. INEC has been extended a formal invitation to monitor the proceedings, ensuring transparency and adherence to democratic norms. Such oversight by the electoral umpire is mandatory under Nigerian law, helping to preempt any disputes over the legitimacy of the nomination.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji's emergence as the consensus candidate is not entirely surprising, given his incumbency advantage. Elected in 2022 under the APC banner, Oyebanji has navigated the challenges of governance in Ekiti, a state known for its educated populace and agrarian economy. His administration's emphasis on continuity and stability may have influenced Mrs. Omolayo's decision to withdraw, as endorsements like hers can unify factions and deter opposition from within. Ekiti State, often dubbed the "Fountain of Knowledge" due to its high literacy rates, has a history of competitive politics, with parties like the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vying for dominance. The 2025 election will test Oyebanji's popularity amid national economic pressures and local issues such as youth employment and rural development.
This consensus approach aligns with broader trends in Nigerian politics, where parties increasingly favor consensus to minimize fractures. For the APC nationally, maintaining strongholds like Ekiti is crucial, especially as the party prepares for other state elections and eyes the 2027 general polls. Dr. Ganduje and his team have been proactive in resolving aspirant disputes across states, a strategy that could pay dividends in voter turnout and cohesion.
INEC's role in this process cannot be overstated. As the custodian of Nigeria's electoral integrity, the commission will deploy officials to the congress, verifying delegate lists, procedures, and outcomes. Any deviations could invite scrutiny, but the APC's proactive notification demonstrates compliance. The Electoral Act's sections cited—84(9) and (11)—empower parties to adapt modes like indirect, direct, or consensus primaries, provided they notify INEC timely and justify changes based on aspirant status.
Looking ahead, Oyebanji's candidacy sets the stage for a focused campaign. Without an internal primary contest, resources can be redirected toward grassroots mobilization and policy articulation. Mrs. Omolayo's endorsement may also translate into active campaigning on his behalf, strengthening the APC's narrative of unity. In Ekiti's political ecosystem, where traditional rulers, youth groups, and women organizations wield influence, such internal solidarity could prove decisive.
The October 27 congress will be more than a formality; it symbolizes the APC's confidence in Oyebanji's leadership. Delegates from Ekiti's 16 local government areas will gather, pledging allegiance and formalizing the governor's ticket. Media coverage is anticipated, with analysts watching for signs of broader implications on Southwest politics, a region pivotal to the APC's fortunes.
In summary, this development reinforces the APC's organizational machinery while highlighting the voluntary spirit of its members. As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, stories like this underscore the blend of legal rigor, political strategy, and personal sacrifice that define democratic processes. Governor Oyebanji now steps into the general election arena unopposed within his party, ready to defend his record and vision for Ekiti State. With INEC's watchful eye and the party's backing, the path to 2025 appears cleared for a unified APC front.
