Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has officially emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial election. The decision was reached on Monday through a popular voice vote by 885 delegates, representing the 177 wards across 16 local government areas of the state. The affirmation took place at the Ekiti State Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.

The nomination process was initiated by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who moved the motion for Oyebanji’s adoption, and it was seconded by Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye. This development makes Oyebanji the first APC governor in Ekiti to secure the party’s ticket for a second consecutive term since the beginning of the Fourth Republic.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who chaired the APC Affirmation Congress Committee, explained that the consensus decision was a collective party effort and not an imposition. According to him, the move was to ensure the continuation of Oyebanji’s developmental projects and good governance in the state. “This is not about favoritism but about sustaining the progress already achieved under the current administration,” Ododo said.

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, had earlier inaugurated an 11-member Consensus Committee in Ado-Ekiti to oversee the process. He praised Oyebanji’s leadership style and the peaceful conduct of the delegates’ poll, urging members to remain united before and after the primary.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, APC national leaders, and party members for their trust and support. He called for unity among party members, emphasizing that there were “no victors or vanquished” in the process. Oyebanji also appealed for an end to online attacks and political divisions, promising to continue working to advance Ekiti State with fairness and inclusivity.