Oyebanji Emerges APC Governorship Candidate In Ekiti.

Oyebanji.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Monday emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State ahead of the June 20, 2026 election.

The Governor, who stood as the sole aspirant, 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 procedures and the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2020.

His emergence followed the withdrawal of Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo and the disqualification of Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olajumoke, who failed to meet the party’s stipulated criteria. This development cleared the path for Oyebanji’s affirmation as the APC consensus candidate.

Omolayo, who formally announced her withdrawal during the governorship primary held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, explained that her decision was based on Governor Oyebanji’s remarkable achievements and the need to sustain his administration’s development agenda.

She stated that she had dissolved her political structure across all 16 local government areas to support Oyebanji’s re-election, describing her decision as a show of loyalty to the party and a commitment to the progress of Ekiti State.

“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.

Following 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 subsequently put to a voice vote, and delegates unanimously responded with a resounding “yes,” confirming Oyebanji as the APC flag bearer for the 2026 governorship election.