Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and his immediate predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, have urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state not to be complacent ahead of the party’s October 27, 2025, governorship primary.
At least four aspirants, including Oyebanji, have obtained the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms to contest for the APC ticket ahead of the June 20, 2026, governorship election.
Speaking during the APC stakeholders’ meeting held at Iyin-Ekiti, the country home of the state’s first civilian governor, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo, Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the coming primary is crucial for the party’s prospects in 2026 and beyond.
“October 27 primary election is the foundation for the June 20, 2026 election, just as the 2026 election is the foundation for 2027,” Oyebanji said.
“By the grace of God and with your support, I intend to break the jinx that no governor has served two consecutive terms in Ekiti. One of the major causes of our underdevelopment is lack of continuity.”
He also called for peace and tolerance among party members despite internal disagreements.
“Let us not fight ourselves. October 27 will come, and October 28 will also come when we will need everybody,” he said.
“Those who are annoying us today, let’s tolerate them. Dissent is a democratic right in a political party. After the primary, a bigger battle lies ahead. Those who are outside today, when they come back, we must create space for them. It is better to have them within the party than to lose them.”
Fayemi, in his remarks, cautioned members against assuming that Oyebanji’s victory is guaranteed.
“Elections are not won on Twitter and WhatsApp,” he said.
“October 27 is around the corner, and the work we have to do between now and then should not be taken lightly. Politics is happening at the wards and units, not online. We must go back to our wards, mobilize, and ensure that our words match our votes.
“If you are a genuine APC member, even if you don’t like Abayomi Oyebanji, you cannot wish for the party to lose the next election. Let Oyebanji win first before voicing your grievances.”
The meeting was attended by former Governors Adeniyi Adebayo and Fayemi, the state chairman and members of the APC State Working Committee, federal and state lawmakers, and party leaders from across the three senatorial districts.
