Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji Expresses Confidence in APC as Governorship Primaries Approach

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver a credible governorship primary ahead of the 2026 election. Speaking to journalists shortly after appearing before the APC Screening Committee in Abuja on Tuesday, the Governor Oyebanji said he trusted the party to uphold transparency and fairness in the selection process.

Oyebanji, who became the first aspirant to face the screening panel chaired by Tunji Olawuyi, urged the party’s national leadership to provide a level playing field for all contenders. “I have confidence in the ability of the committee that will conduct the Ekiti APC Governorship Primary election on October 27 to do an excellent job in line with party guidelines,” he noted.

The Governor Oyebanji! also stressed that beyond individual aspirations, unity within the party would be vital to ensuring victory in the 2026 governorship election scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for July 20, 2026.

APC Screening Exercise and Party Stakeholders’ Support

The screening, held at the Amor Hotel in Abuja’s Katampe district, saw Oyebanji arrive early in the morning accompanied by a team of political associates, including members of the National Assembly and state leaders. The session, which lasted about 15 minutes, reviewed his credentials and compliance with party requirements.

Among those who accompanied the Governor were Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Adeoye Aribasoye, and retired Air Vice Marshal Niyi Ojuawo. Their presence underscored Oyebanji’s influence within the party’s structure and the broad support he enjoys among stakeholders.

Addressing the media afterward, the Governor Oyebanji praised the APC leadership for establishing structures to ensure fairness. He maintained that the screening process was a vital step to strengthen internal democracy and position the party for success in the election.

Female Aspirant Declares Loyalty Governor Oyebanji, Advocates Women’s Participation

In a related development, fellow aspirant Atinuke Omolayo also appeared before the screening committee and expressed strong admiration for Governor Oyebanji. While emphasising her ambition to become the first female governor of Ekiti State, Omolayo declared she would only consider stepping down in favour of the incumbent governor.

“I will only step down for the governor, His Excellency Abayomi Oyebanji. He is my leader. Any other person, no way,” she stated. Omolayo, however, reaffirmed her determination to contest, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in leadership and encouraging female voters to take active roles in politics.

She praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for championing women’s participation in politics and insisted that women, who often turn out in greater numbers on election day, could play a decisive role in shaping Ekiti’s political future.