Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been confirmed as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2026 election in Ekiti State following a consensus affirmation exercise held on Monday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

The exercise saw 885 delegates from the 16 local government areas of the state endorse Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term as governor.

The special nomination congress, supervised by a 10-member committee chaired by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, officially ratified Oyebanji’s candidacy after the voluntary withdrawal of the only other cleared aspirant, Mrs Atinuke Omolayo.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, served as deputy chairman of the committee, while Hon. Taiwo Sunmonu acted as secretary.

During the session, Senate Leader and APC stalwart, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the ratification of Oyebanji’s nomination as the party’s consensus candidate.

“I, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, hereby move a motion that this Ekiti Special Nomination Congress ratify the nomination of His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji, as the consensus gubernatorial candidate of the Ekiti State APC, according to Section 84, Subsection 9 of the Electoral Act, 2022. I so move,” he declared.

The motion was seconded by Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Stephen, who described the decision as a historic moment for the party.

Reacting to the decision, Oyebanji sang worship to God alongside his wife as he dedicated the victory to his maker.

He also appreciated the committee, delegates, and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts and support for the development.

Delivering his acceptance speech, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the party leadership and delegates for entrusting him with the ticket for a second time.

“I am honoured and appreciative of this rare privilege which you are giving for the second time.

“If words fail to fully express the depth of my excitement and gratitude, please forgive my bluntness; I will eternally be indebted to you all,” Oyebanji said.

He described the event as a milestone in Ekiti’s political history, adding that it signalled “a new level of political maturity and unity within the APC.”

“This is a historic moment in our political development, and it signals a trend towards stability that began in 2022.

“The decision to make me the consensus candidate for a second time is unprecedented,” he said.

Oyebanji also praised party stakeholders for closing ranks and promoting peace ahead of the 2026 election.

“All our leaders are united to work together. Those who had shown interest have accepted the party’s decision in good faith.

“This gesture of unity will strengthen our stability as a party and as a state,” he said.

The governor extended special appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee for their support.

“We are immensely grateful to Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, and to the National Working Committee under the leadership of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda for guiding this process,” he said.

Oyebanji pledged continued service to the people of Ekiti State, promising to consolidate the gains of his administration.

Heavy security presence was observed around the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, with operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stationed at key points to ensure a hitch-free process.

Vehicular movement around the venue was restricted, and checkpoints were mounted along major routes leading to the area.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, also hosted members of the state APC committee on consensus primaries at his Ado-Ekiti residence ahead of the congress, describing the adoption of Oyebanji as a reflection of “unity and maturity within the party.”

“We held a productive engagement ahead of Monday’s Special Nomination Congress, which will officially ratify Governor Abiodun Oyebanji as our party’s governorship candidate,” Fayemi said in a post on X.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, had earlier announced the shift from direct primaries to consensus, explaining that the arrangement was approved by the National Working Committee in accordance with party rules and the Electoral Act.

“The decision followed the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs Atinuke Omolayo, leaving Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the sole contender,” Morka stated.

Oyebanji’s confirmation positions him as the APC flagbearer ahead of the 2026 Ekiti governorship election. (PUNCH)