Oyebanji Confirmed as APC Candidate for 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has officially been confirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2026 election in Ekiti State. The confirmation followed a consensus affirmation exercise held on Monday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.
The event brought together 885 delegates from all 16 local government areas of the state, who endorsed Oyebanji’s bid for a second term in office. The special nomination congress, supervised by a 10-member committee chaired by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, formally 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, while Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu was secretary of the committee.
During the session, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for the ratification of Oyebanji’s nomination as the consensus candidate. The motion was seconded by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Stephen, who described the move as a “historic moment” for the party.
In his response, Oyebanji sang songs of praise alongside his wife, expressing gratitude to God for his re-nomination. He appreciated the committee, delegates, and President Bola Tinubu for their roles in supporting the party’s unity and development. In his acceptance speech, he thanked party leaders and members for their trust, calling the occasion a “milestone in Ekiti’s political history.”
Oyebanji said his confirmation reflected “a new level of political maturity and unity within the APC,” emphasizing that the consensus decision showed the party’s commitment to stability and progress. He also praised aspirants who stepped down for their cooperation and assured the people of Ekiti that his administration would continue to deliver good governance.
He further expressed special appreciation to President Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee led by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda for overseeing a fair and transparent process.
Security was tight at the event, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed around the venue to maintain order. Vehicular movement was restricted in surrounding areas to ensure a peaceful exercise.
Former Ekiti Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, also hosted APC stakeholders at his residence ahead of the congress, describing Oyebanji’s adoption as “a reflection of unity and maturity within the party.” APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed that the consensus arrangement had been approved by the National Working Committee, following Omolayo’s voluntary withdrawal.
With his confirmation, Oyebanji is now officially the APC flagbearer for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, positioning the party for another round of political engagement in the state.
