The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially adopted Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as its consensus candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election. This announcement follows the voluntary withdrawal of the only other cleared aspirant, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, from the race.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the decision was reached after Mrs. Omolayo formally notified the party of her decision to step down and expressed full support for Governor Oyebanji’s candidacy. Morka stated that the move was consistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the APC Constitution, which permit the use of consensus arrangements when aspirants voluntarily agree.
“The All Progressives Congress announces its decision to now adopt the consensus mode for the conduct of its governorship primary election in Ekiti State,” the statement read. “This change was necessitated by the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, who endorsed His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as the consensus candidate.”
Electoral Process and Timetable Set for Ratification
The APC confirmed that it has met all legal and procedural requirements for the consensus mode as outlined in Sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act, 2022. The party also released a detailed timetable for subsequent activities leading to the formal ratification of the candidate.
A delegate congress is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, while an appeal session for the delegate congress will take place on Sunday, October 26. The process will culminate in a special nomination congress to ratify Oyebanji’s candidacy on Monday, October 27, 2025.
In its statement, the party commended Mrs. Omolayo for her “spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to party unity,” noting that her withdrawal has paved the way for a more cohesive campaign ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The APC urged all members and stakeholders to remain united and to support the governor in ensuring victory for the party in the forthcoming polls.
APC Unity and Strategy Ahead of 2026 Polls
With Oyebanji now standing unopposed within the APC, the party’s focus is shifting toward consolidating internal harmony and strengthening its campaign machinery across Ekiti State. Political observers note that the consensus adoption may give the ruling party a head start as it prepares for what is expected to be a competitive governorship race.
Governor Oyebanji, who succeeded former Governor Kayode Fayemi in 2022, is seeking a second term in office on the strength of his administration’s policies in infrastructure, youth empowerment, and governance reform. His endorsement as the consensus flagbearer signals continuity within the party’s leadership in Ekiti State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Ekiti governorship election for Saturday, July 20, 2026. With the APC’s internal processes nearing completion, attention now turns to how opposition parties will position themselves for the contest
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