Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will record victory in all 177 wards of the state during the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
Speaking on Saturday at his ward in Ikogosi Ekiti during the party’s delegates’ congress, Oyebanji said his administration has strengthened the APC’s popularity across the state — even among members of the opposition — through performance and inclusiveness.
The congress, held across the 177 wards, was aimed at electing delegates who will formally affirm Oyebanji as the APC’s governorship candidate during the party’s primary election on Monday, October 27.
The APC National Working Committee had earlier declared Oyebanji the party’s consensus candidate following the withdrawal of Mrs. Atinuke Olayemi Omolayo, leaving him unopposed after two other aspirants, Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi, were disqualified.
Commending the smooth conduct of the ward congress, Oyebanji described it as a reflection of unity and discipline within the Ekiti APC.
“You can see that our members are united and happy to exercise their franchise. Delegates were elected by consensus across all wards, which shows the harmony between the party’s leadership and its members,” he said.
“In the past three years, we have made our party more attractive by delivering on our promises. Many people from other parties have joined us because of our achievements. With God on our side, our goal is to make history by winning all 177 wards on June 20 next year — something that has never happened before in Ekiti State.”
The Chairman of the APC Delegates Congress Committee for Ekiti State, Jaret Tenebe, also expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the exercise, noting that due process was followed throughout the 177 wards.
Tenebe, who also serves as the APC Chairman in Edo State, commended Oyebanji for his leadership and commitment to party unity, saying, “We moved across the local governments and witnessed a peaceful and credible process. The governor has made the party proud.”
Civil society organisations and accredited observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also praised the orderly conduct of the congress.
In a joint communiqué read in Ado Ekiti by their coordinator, Romanus Azubuike, groups including the Citizen Right for Peace and Non-Violence Initiative, Global Development Centre for Rescue Mission Nigeria, and the Suitable African Initiative for Sustainable and Positive Development described the congress as peaceful and transparent.
“The delegate election was conducted across all 177 wards in line with APC guidelines, with impressive turnout and full security presence,” the statement read.
The observers also commended Governor Oyebanji for providing an enabling environment and for not interfering in the process despite being a candidate, noting that the exercise marked “a vital step toward a fair, inclusive, and transparent primary election.”
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