Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been confirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Ekiti State’s 2026 election, following a consensus affirmation procedure held on Monday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.
During the procedure, 885 delegates from the state’s 16 local government units endorsed Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term as governor.
The extraordinary nomination congress, presided over by a 10-member commission chaired by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, formally approved Oyebanji’s candidacy following the voluntary withdrawal of the sole other cleared contestant, Mrs Atinuke Omolayo.
Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, served as the committee’s deputy chairman, with Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu acting as secretary.
During the session, Senate Leader and APC veteran Senator Opeyemi Bamidele presented a resolution to ratify Oyebanji’s candidacy 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 resolution was seconded by Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Stephen, who characterized the move as a watershed moment for his party.
In response to the ruling, Oyebanji sang praises to God beside his wife, dedicating the win to his creator.
He also thanked the committee, delegates, and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts and contributions to the development.
In his acceptance address, Oyebanji thanked the party leadership and delegates for entrusting him with the ticket for the 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 occasion as a watershed moment in Ekiti’s political history, announcing “a new level of political maturity and unity within the APC.”
“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 said.
Oyebanji also applauded party stakeholders for closing ranks and promoting peace ahead of the 2026 election.
“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.
He extended special appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee for their support.
“We are immensely grateful to Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, and to the National Working Committee under the leadership of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda for guiding this process,” he said.
Oyebanji promised continued service to the people of Ekiti State, promising to consolidate the gains of his administration.
A heavy security presence was noted around the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stationed at strategic areas to ensure a smooth procedure.
Movement of vehicles near the venue was restricted, and checkpoints were set up along major routes leading into the region.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Ekiti State Governor, also hosted members of the state APC committee on consensus primaries at his Ado-Ekiti residence ahead of the congress, describing Oyebanji’s adoption as a reflection of “unity and maturity within the party.”
“We held a productive engagement ahead of Monday’s Special Nomination Congress, which will officially ratify Governor Abiodun Oyebanji as our party’s governorship candidate,” Fayemi said in a post on X.
