APC Picks Oyebanji as Consensus Candidate for Ekiti 2026 Poll

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially adopted Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, as its consensus candidate for the 2026 governorship election, ending weeks of internal consultations and speculation about the party’s primary process.

The decision followed the withdrawal of Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, one of the two cleared aspirants, who voluntarily stepped down from the race and endorsed Oyebanji’s candidacy. Her withdrawal paved the way for the party’s leadership to abandon its earlier plan for a direct primary and settle for a consensus arrangement.

Announcing the development in a statement on Tuesday, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the decision to adopt the consensus mode was in full compliance with Sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and relevant provisions of the party’s constitution.

According to Morka, Omolayo’s decision to step down demonstrated political maturity and commitment to the unity of the Ekiti APC ahead of next year’s poll. He added that the party appreciated her “sportsmanship and selflessness in the interest of collective progress.”

Party sources disclosed that Oyebanji, who succeeded Kayode Fayemi in 2022, enjoys widespread support among APC stakeholders in the state, a factor that made consensus adoption easier.

APC Disqualifies Ojo from Ekiti Gubernatorial Primary Election

Timetable for Ratification Released

To formalise the process, the APC announced a timetable of activities leading to the official ratification of Oyebanji’s candidacy. The delegate congress is scheduled for October 25, 2025, followed by an appeal session on October 26, while the special nomination congress to ratify the consensus candidate will hold on October 27, 2025.

Party leaders in Ekiti have also been directed to mobilise members across all local government areas to ensure a smooth transition from the primary stage to full campaign mode.

The development brings an end to the short-lived contest between the two cleared aspirants and signals a united front for the APC in Ekiti as it prepares for the governorship poll.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Ekiti governorship election for July 20, 2026.