ADO-EKITI: The All-Progressives Congress (APC) has officially endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its consensus candidate for the forthcoming 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election.
The declaration was made at a well-attended event in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, October 27, following the party’s primary election coordinated by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who chaired the APC Ekiti Governorship Primary Election Committee.
Governor Ododo expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for giving him the privilege to lead the primary process.
He commended the unity, dedication, and professionalism displayed by committee members, describing the exercise as peaceful, credible, and transparent.
I thank Mr. President and the leadership of our great party for giving me the opportunity to chair this committee, Ododo said.
We collectively worked as a team to make this primary election successful. I also want to appreciate our legal team for their tireless efforts and professionalism throughout the process.
Governor Ododo later invited members of the committee to the podium for public recognition, acknowledging their collective role in ensuring a seamless exercise.
The formal declaration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party’s consensus candidate was made by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Majority Leader of the Senate, and seconded by other senior APC leaders.
The announcement was met with loud applause from party faithful, delegates, and supporters who gathered from all 16 local government areas of the state to witness the event.
The governor and candidate of the apc read out his acceptance speech with a thanksgiving song Before he led the audience in a brief worship song, saying, All the glory must be given to the Lord.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and visionary leadership, describing the endorsement as a reaffirmation of the confidence reposed in him by the people of Ekiti State.
He also extended appreciation to Governor Ododo, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Speaker and Members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, former Governor Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, as well as the APC national and state leadership.
This endorsement is an affirmation of the trust you placed in me a few years ago when I was elected to serve our great state, Oyebanji said.
I do not take this gesture for granted. There is no victor and no vanquished we are all winners united under the banner of the All-Progressives Congress.
The governor also thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the media for their professionalism and commitment throughout the process.
I thank INEC for observing this exercise, the security operatives for maintaining peace, and the media for ensuring transparent coverage. Together, you made today’s event a success, he added.
Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his commitment to good governance, inclusive leadership, and sustainable development across Ekiti State, pledging to justify the trust placed in him by both the party and the people.
This consensus endorsement is not just a political victory, but a call to greater service, he said. I pledge to continue working for the unity, progress, and prosperity of Ekiti State.
Other party chieftains commended the peaceful nature of the primary, describing it as a reflection of APC’s internal harmony and Governor Oyebanji’s performance in office.
They noted that the consensus approach signaled a united front ahead of the 2026 election and expressed confidence that the party would secure a decisive victory at the polls.
