• Extends hands of fellowship to Kayode Ojo, others
• Preaches unity to achieve victory
• Warns supporters against character assassination, divisive conduct
• Consensus arrangement party’s decision, not imposition, says Ododo
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has been affirmed and ratified as the consensus candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 governorship election in the state.
The governor was ratified yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during a special nomination exercise presided over by the Chairman of the primary election committee and the governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo.
The ratification followed the motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and seconded by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye…
Oyebanji was affirmed as the party’s flag bearer through a voice vote by 885 delegates elected from the 177 wards across the 16 local councils of the state.
However, following his affirmation as the consensus candidate of the APC for the election, Oyebanji cautioned his supporters, especially party members, against engaging in character assassination or divisive behaviour.
Oyebanji, who also extended a hand of fellowship to his main challenger before the primary, Kayode Ojo, urged him and other aspirants to close ranks and work with him to ensure the APC’s victory in the 2026 governorship election and to strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential polls.
The Ekiti governor, who expressed appreciation to Tinubu for his fatherly role in ensuring the success of the consensus arrangement, said: “History is being made today. We promise to continue to deliver on our contract to the people of Ekiti. I promise to make you proud. This endorsement is an affirmation of the wishes of our members. I deeply appreciate your decision and hereby accept this honour to fly the flag of our great party in the 2026 governorship election.”
He said that the process produced no victor or vanquished, stressing that all aspirants were united by a common goal to serve the people and strengthen the party.
The governor, therefore, cautioned his supporters against negative campaigns, character assassination, and divisive behaviour, urging unity as the state prepares for the 2026 polls.
Oyebanji noted that internal crises had cost the progressive bloc in Ekiti several second-term victories, describing the consensus arrangement as a reflection of political maturity and stability.
Earlier, Ododo said the consensus decision was the collective choice of the party and not an imposition.
“The decision by our great party to adopt Oyebanji is not a product of imposition but a deliberate move to ensure continuity of the good works the APC government in Ekiti State has been delivering,” Ododo said.
