There was wild jubilation and excitement across Ekiti State on Monday as Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the forthcoming June 20, 2026 election.

Akahi News gathered that Oyebanji clinched the ticket through an overwhelming affirmation by 885 delegates, representing all 177 wards across the 16 local government areas of the state. The exercise, which took place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, was a peaceful and transparent process that drew praise from party members, observers, and political stakeholders alike.

A Historic Consensus Candidacy

The motion for the affirmation of Governor Oyebanji’s candidacy was moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and seconded by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, pursuant to Section 84 (11) of the Electoral Act 2022. The motion was then ratified with a thunderous voice vote by all delegates present — a moment many described as historic in the political history of Ekiti State.

In his acceptance speech, a visibly elated Governor Oyebanji expressed deep gratitude to party members for their confidence and promised to break the second-term jinx in the state by delivering on his administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda.

“Silver or gold, we have none. But we promise to deliver on the contract we signed with our people. We will continue to do those things that will make our people happy and project our party, APC, positively in Ekiti State,” Oyebanji stated.

Oyebanji’s Message of Unity and Gratitude

Governor Oyebanji used the occasion to extend an olive branch to all aggrieved aspirants, including Engr. Kayode Ojo, pledging to work harmoniously with everyone for the good of the party and the state. He also commended Mrs. Atinuke Omolayo, a female aspirant who voluntarily withdrew from the race, describing her decision as an act of political maturity and commitment to party unity.

“To Engr. Kayode Ojo, I extend my hand of fellowship and cooperation going forward. I earnestly look to working with both of you to ensure total victory for our party in the coming governorship election,” he said.

Oyebanji thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting internal democracy within the APC, as well as the Progressive Governors’ Forum led by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State for their unwavering support.

He also appreciated former governors Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Dr Kayode Fayemi, their spouses, and other APC leaders for their solidarity, describing the affirmation as “a defining moment of political maturity” in Ekiti’s democratic evolution.

A New Era of Political Stability

Governor Oyebanji noted that the APC in Ekiti had finally broken the cycle of internal rancour and divisions that had often led to electoral setbacks in the past.

“This is the first time in our history that a ruling party will be presenting a candidate by consensus. It signals a new phase of political stability and maturity that began in 2022. The era of negative comments and divisive rhetoric is over — this is a template of unity, understanding, and progress,” he added.

The Governor urged APC members to return to their wards and begin grassroots mobilisation, warning against complacency ahead of the June 2026 election.

“Every politics is local. Let us connect with the people and work together. There is no victor, no vanquished — we have all won together,” he said.

Credible and Transparent Affirmation Process

The affirmation process was supervised by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, both serving as representatives of the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

Governor Ododo, who also chaired the Affirmation Congress Committee, declared the process credible and in full compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

“This consensus mode of electing a candidate is not a product of imposition, but a reflection of mutual understanding among stakeholders,” Ododo said. “Governor Oyebanji’s affirmation shows that internal democracy is thriving within the APC, and we are confident of victory in 2026.”

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for maintaining professionalism throughout the process, noting that the Ekiti template could serve as a national model for peaceful party primaries.

Broad Support and Party Unity

The event drew notable dignitaries, including the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor Mrs. Monisade Afuye, former governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, members of the House of Representatives, House of Assembly, and other APC stalwarts.

Party faithful across Ekiti celebrated the development, describing it as a turning point for unity and a major step toward consolidating the party’s strength ahead of the 2026 election.

As jubilation continues across the state, the mood among APC supporters suggests a strong sense of optimism that the Oyebanji-led administration will continue to deliver development, prosperity, and inclusive governance to the people of Ekiti State.

Thanks. By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org