Oyebanji confirmed as APC candidate for 2026 Ekiti governorship election

Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been confirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2026 election in Ekiti State.

The confirmation took place on Monday during a consensus affirmation exercise held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.The exercise brought together 885 delegates from all 16 local government areas of the state, who unanimously endorsed Oyebanji to contest for a second term in office.

His confirmation followed the voluntary withdrawal of the only other cleared aspirant, Mrs Atinuke Omolayo, paving the way for a consensus process.The nomination congress was supervised by a 10-member committee chaired by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, with Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, serving as deputy chairman and Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu as secretary.

The committee officially ratified Oyebanji’s candidacy after delegates voted in his favor.During the event, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for Oyebanji’s confirmation, which was supported by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Stephen.

The decision was widely celebrated by party leaders, including former Governor Kayode Fayemi, who described it as a show of unity and political maturity within the APC.

In his acceptance remarks, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to party leaders, delegates, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their trust and support. He described his endorsement as a call to continue serving the people of Ekiti State and promised to build on his administration’s achievements.

The governor said the event marked a milestone in the state’s political development and a sign of growing unity within the APC. He pledged to strengthen peace and collaboration among party members ahead of the 2026 election.

Security was tight around the venue, with operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stationed across major access points to maintain order and ensure a smooth process.

Vehicular movement around the area was also restricted.Ahead of the exercise, the APC National Working Committee had approved the shift from direct primaries to a consensus arrangement, following Mrs Omolayo’s withdrawal.

The party explained that the decision complied with its internal rules and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Oyebanji’s confirmation formally positions him as the APC flagbearer in the forthcoming 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, setting the stage for the ruling party’s campaign to retain power in the state.