The exercise with 885 delegates from the 16 local government areas of the state approved Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term as governor.
By Sodiq Oluwaremilekun
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been stamped 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 with 885 delegates from the 16 local government areas of the state approved Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term as governor.
The special nomination congress, monitored by a 10-member committee chaired by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, officially stamped 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, recommended a motion for the approval 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 affrirmed.
The motion was also seconded by Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Stephen, who described the decision as a landmark moment for the party.
Reacting to the decision, Oyebanji worshipped God alongside his wife as he ascribed the victory to his maker.
He also appreciated the committee, delegates, and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts and support for the development.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebanji thank the party leadership and delegates for believing 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.”
Oyebanji’s affirmation makes him the APC flagbearer ahead of the expected 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
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