ADO-EKITI – In a display of party unity and political consensus, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji was officially affirmed as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the June 20, 2026, election during the party’s primary held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday.
The event, characterized by decorum and overwhelming support, saw 885 accredited delegates from all 177 wards across the state’s 16 local government areas unanimously endorse Governor Oyebanji as the sole aspirant, following the withdrawal of one contender and the disqualification of two others.
The primary election, conducted in strict compliance with the APC’s internal guidelines and the Electoral Act 2022, marked a significant milestone in the state’s political calendar, signaling the commencement of preparations for the 2026 governorship race.
Governor Oyebanji, who has been in office since October 16, 2022, following his victory in the 2022 election, faced no opposition after Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, a former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, formally withdrew from the race during the primary.
Two other aspirants, Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olajumoke, were earlier disqualified by the APC screening committee for failing to meet the party’s eligibility criteria, further clearing the path for Oyebanji’s unopposed emergence.
The affirmation process began with the accreditation of delegates, a meticulous exercise overseen by the APC National Secretariat and the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) observers to ensure transparency and adherence to democratic principles.
Party officials confirmed that the 885 delegates represented a full complement of the state’s ward structure, with three delegates per ward, including women and youth leaders, as stipulated by the party constitution.
In a brief address before the formal affirmation, Mrs. Omolayo announced her decision to step down, citing Governor Oyebanji’s sterling performance in office as the primary reason for her withdrawal.
“After careful reflection and wide consultation with my supporters and stakeholders across the state, I have decided to withdraw from the governorship race and throw my full weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji,” she declared.
“His Excellency has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the areas of infrastructure development, human capital empowerment, agricultural transformation, and inclusive governance. His achievements are visible and impactful. Ekiti deserves continuity of this progress, and that is why I am stepping aside to support his re-election,” Omolayo added.
She further revealed that her political structure, which spans all 16 local government areas, had been fully integrated into Oyebanji’s campaign machinery, describing the move as “an act of loyalty to the APC and a commitment to the collective development of Ekiti State.”
Omolayo’s withdrawal was met with applause from delegates and party leaders, many of whom praised her for prioritizing party unity over personal ambition.
Following her announcement, the Senate Leader and Chairman of the Southern Senators’ Forum, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the ratification of Governor Oyebanji as the APC governorship candidate.
The motion was seconded by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, in strict compliance with Section 84(11) of the Electoral Act 2022, which allows for affirmation by voice vote in the absence of multiple contenders.
The Chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, put the motion to a voice vote. In a thunderous and unanimous chorus, the 885 delegates shouted “Yes!”, formally sealing Oyebanji’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer.
Governor Radda, while declaring the results, commended the delegates for their maturity and the aspirants for their sportsmanship, particularly applauding Mrs. Omolayo’s decision to withdraw.
“This is a testament to the strength of internal democracy within the APC in Ekiti State. The process has been free, fair, and transparent. Governor Oyebanji has been duly affirmed as the candidate of our great party,” Radda stated.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Oyebanji expressed profound gratitude to the delegates, party leaders, and Mrs. Omolayo for their support and sacrifice.
“I am deeply humbled by this overwhelming endorsement. This is not just a victory for me, but a victory for the people of Ekiti State who have continued to believe in our shared vision for progress,” Oyebanji said.
He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by intensifying efforts in key sectors such as education, healthcare, road infrastructure, youth empowerment, and agricultural development.
“This second term, if given by the good people of Ekiti, will be about consolidation, expansion, and sustainability. We will build on the foundations we have laid and take Ekiti to greater heights,” he assured.
Oyebanji also acknowledged the roles of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and the National Working Committee in ensuring a seamless primary process.
The event was attended by a galaxy of political heavyweights, including the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye; members of the State Executive Council; National Assembly members from Ekiti; state lawmakers; local government chairmen; and traditional rulers, including the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, and the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi.
Security was tight but unobtrusive, with personnel from the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) ensuring a peaceful atmosphere.
The primary election comes at a time when Governor Oyebanji’s administration has recorded significant milestones, including the construction and rehabilitation of over 1,000 kilometers of roads, the revitalization of public schools through the “Education for All” initiative, and the empowerment of over 10,000 youths and women through various skill acquisition and micro-credit schemes.
His administration’s flagship programs, such as the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, the Cargo Airport project, and the Oodua Agro-Industrial Park, have also attracted commendations from stakeholders and development partners.
Political analysts have described Oyebanji’s unopposed emergence as a reflection of his broad acceptance across party lines and his effective leadership style, which emphasizes consultation, inclusivity, and result-oriented governance.
“This is a governor who has walked the talk. His performance has silenced doubters and united the party. The APC in Ekiti is stronger today because of his leadership,” said Dr. Femi Adeleye, a political science lecturer at Ekiti State University.
With the APC primary concluded, attention now shifts to the opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is yet to conduct its primary. However, political observers believe that Oyebanji’s track record and the APC’s organizational strength position him as a formidable candidate in the 2026 race.
As Ekiti prepares for another governorship election, the stage is set for a contest that will test the state’s political maturity and the people’s commitment to continuity and development.
For now, Governor Biodun Oyebanji stands tall as the APC standard-bearer, backed by a united party and a legacy of performance that resonates across the hills and valleys of the Fountain of Knowledge.
