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APC Adopts Governor Biodun Oyebanji as Consensus Candidate for Ekiti Governorship Election

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has named Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its consensus candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, following the withdrawal of one of the cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo. Omolayo's decision to step down and endorse Oyebanji for the position was announced in a letter to the party. The change from a direct primary to a consensus mode of primary was made in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and the APC Constitution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The APC has officially adopted Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its consensus candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
  • The decision follows the withdrawal of Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, one of the two cleared aspirants, who voluntarily stepped down and endorsed Oyebanji for the position.
  • The party cited the provisions of Sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which govern the use of consensus primaries.
  • The adoption of the consensus mode satisfies the section 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
  • Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, commended Omolayo for her "spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to party unity and progress."
  • The party released a timetable of activities to formalize the nomination, including Delegate Congress on October 25, 2025, and Special Nomination Congress (Ratification) on October 27, 2025.
  • The move effectively ends the internal contest and paves the way for the quick ratification of Governor Oyebanji as the party's standard-bearer.
  • The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Ekiti governorship election for Saturday, July 20, 2026.

Statistics:

  • 2026: The year of the Ekiti governorship election.
  • July 20, 2026: The date fixed by INEC for the Ekiti governorship election.
  • Two: The number of cleared aspirants who were left after Omolayo's withdrawal.
  • October 25, 2025: The date set for the Delegate Congress.
  • October 26, 2025: The date set for the Delegate Congress Appeal.
  • October 27, 2025: The date set for the Special Nomination Congress (Ratification).

Sources:

  • [1] APC Statement (Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary), October 2025
  • [2] Electoral Act 2022
  • [3] INEC Announcement (Independent National Electoral Commission), July 2025

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