by Ola Williams-
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has officially emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 Ekiti State election, following a unanimous affirmation by delegates at the party’s primary held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.
Paparazzi Online reports that Oyebanji, who ran unopposed, was affirmed by 885 delegates drawn from all 177 wards of the state, in accordance with the party’s internal guidelines and provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
His emergence followed the withdrawal of Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo and the disqualification of Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olajumoke, who failed to meet the APC’s screening requirements.
In her withdrawal speech, Mrs. Omolayo praised Governor Oyebanji’s performance, noting that her decision was driven by a desire to consolidate his administration’s developmental achievements.
“Governor Oyebanji has performed excellently well. His achievements in infrastructure, governance, and inclusiveness speak volumes,” Omolayo said. “He deserves a second term, and that is why I am stepping down to support him fully.”
She also announced that she had collapsed her political structure across the 16 local government areas of the state to rally support for Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
“My withdrawal is an act of loyalty to our great party and a commitment to Ekiti’s progress,” she added.
Following her withdrawal, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for the ratification of Oyebanji’s nomination as the APC candidate, which was seconded by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, in line with Section 84(11) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The motion was subsequently put to a voice vote, with delegates giving a unanimous and resounding “yes,” sealing Oyebanji’s position as the APC flag bearer for the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
