Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been officially confirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State election following a consensus affirmation exercise held on Monday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.
The exercise saw 885 delegates from the state’s 16 local government areas endorse Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term in office. The special nomination congress was supervised by a 10-member committee chaired by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and it ratified Oyebanji’s candidacy after the only other cleared aspirant, Mrs Atinuke Omolayo, voluntarily withdrew. Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo served as deputy chairman, while Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu acted as secretary.
During the session, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to ratify Oyebanji’s nomination:
“I, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, hereby move that this Ekiti Special Nomination Congress ratify His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji, as the consensus gubernatorial candidate of the Ekiti State APC, in line with Section 84, Subsection 9 of the Electoral Act, 2022.”
The motion was seconded by Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Stephen, who described the event as a historic milestone for the party.
Reacting to his confirmation, Oyebanji dedicated the endorsement to God, singing praises with his wife, and thanked the committee, delegates, and President Bola Tinubu for their support. In his acceptance speech, he expressed deep gratitude to the party leadership and delegates:
“I am honoured by this rare privilege to serve a second term. Words may fail to convey my excitement and gratitude, but I am eternally indebted to you all.”
He described the nomination as a milestone in Ekiti’s political history, reflecting unity and maturity within the APC:
“This decision signals a new level of political stability and continuity that began in 2022. The support and cooperation of all party leaders strengthen our position ahead of the 2026 election.”
Oyebanji also extended special appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee, pledging to continue delivering on his administration’s achievements and consolidate gains in Ekiti State.
The nomination exercise was conducted under heavy security, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ensuring a smooth process. Checkpoints and traffic restrictions were put in place around the venue.
Former Ekiti Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi hosted state APC committee members at his Ado-Ekiti residence ahead of the congress, highlighting that Oyebanji’s adoption reflected party unity and maturity.
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka explained that the nomination followed a shift from direct primaries to consensus, approved by the National Working Committee, and was facilitated by the voluntary withdrawal of Mrs Atinuke Omolayo.
With this confirmation, Biodun Oyebanji is now the APC flagbearer for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
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