Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket to contest for a second term in office after a consensus agreement was reached by party leaders.
The primary election, held in Ado Ekiti, saw Oyebanji emerge unopposed following the disqualification of two aspirants and the voluntary withdrawal of another contender. His selection was backed by key stakeholders of the ruling party after weeks of political consultations and negotiations.
According to reports, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) cleared Oyebanji and Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo while disqualifying Engineer Kayode Ojo and Mrs Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi over alleged violations of party rules and the Electoral Act 2022. The decision, announced by the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Duro Meseko, drew mixed reactions across the state, as supporters of the disqualified aspirants described the process as “undemocratic” and “engineered to favour a particular candidate.”
A group known as the Concerned Stakeholders of the APC in Ekiti has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene in the matter and ensure justice for all aspirants. The group alleged that the screening process was manipulated to edge out Ojo and warned that the party’s unity could be threatened if the grievances were not addressed. They called for a revalidation of deleted memberships and an independent review of the disqualification process.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the APC Appeal Panel for the Ekiti delegate congress, Dr Dennis Otiotio, revealed that no petitions were received concerning the congress, describing the exercise as transparent and peaceful. “We were ready to receive petitions from aggrieved members, but none were filed. This shows the level of trust members have in the process,” Otiotio said. Ekiti APC Chairman Olusola Eleshin also commended the exercise as credible and fair.
At the affirmation event held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, 885 delegates from the 177 wards across the 16 local government areas confirmed Oyebanji’s candidacy. The motion for his adoption was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by Ekiti Assembly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who chaired the congress, said the consensus decision was reached in good faith to maintain party unity and continuity.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebanji thanked President Tinubu, the APC leadership, and party members for their support. He pledged inclusive leadership, stating, “There is no victor and no vanquished. We are one family, and together we will continue to build Ekiti.” Political analysts believe the APC’s consensus decision is part of President Tinubu’s broader plan to consolidate party strongholds across the South West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
