Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Monday became the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State ahead of the June 20, 2026 election.
The Governor, who ran unopposed, was unanimously endorsed by a total of 885 delegates—five from each of the 177 wards across the state—in accordance with the party’s internal electoral guidelines and the Electoral Act of 2020.
His emergence followed the withdrawal of Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo and the disqualification of Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olajumoke, who did not meet the party’s set requirements, paving the way for Oyebanji’s confirmation as the APC consensus candidate.
Omolayo, who officially stepped down during the governorship primary held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, explained that her decision was influenced by Governor Oyebanji’s outstanding performance and her desire to sustain the developmental progress of his administration.
She added that she had dissolved her political structure across all 16 local government areas to support Oyebanji’s re-election campaign, describing her withdrawal as a demonstration of loyalty to the party and dedication to Ekiti State’s growth.
“Governor Oyebanji has performed excellently well. His achievements in infrastructure, governance and inclusiveness speak volumes. He deserves a second term, and that is why I am stepping down to support him fully,” she said.
After her withdrawal, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for the ratification of Oyebanji’s nomination as the APC governorship candidate, which was seconded by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, in line with Section 84(11) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The motion for affirmation was put to a voice vote, and the delegates unanimously responded with a resounding “yes,” confirming Oyebanji as the APC flag bearer for the 2026 governorship election.
