The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its consensus candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
The decision, according to the APC, follows the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, to step down for the incumbent governor.
In a letter to the party, Omolayo conveyed her decision to withdraw from the contest and endorsed Governor Oyebanji as the consensus candidate of the party.
She also pledged her total support for any arrangement adopted by the APC in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and the Party’s Constitution.
“I have decided, in the interest of party unity and continuity of progress in our dear state, to withdraw from the race and endorse His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as the consensus candidate of our great party,” Mrs. Omolayo stated in her letter.
The APC, in a statement signed on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the decision has been duly communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through a letter dated October 13, 2025, in full compliance with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
“Having satisfied the requirements stipulated under Sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act, 2022, for the consensus mode of primary election, the Party has approved the timetable of activities for the nomination congress,” Morka stated.
According to the approved schedule, the following activities will take place:
- Delegate Congress – Saturday, 25th October, 2025.
- Delegate Congress Appeal – Sunday, 26th October, 2025.
- Special Nomination Congress to Ratify the Consensus Candidate – Monday, 27th October, 2025
The ruling party commended Mrs. Omolayo for her “spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to party unity and progress,” and described her decision as a mark of true loyalty and sacrifice for the collective good of the APC and the people of Ekiti State.
“The Party commends Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo for her exemplary show of maturity and patriotism. Her decision reinforces our commitment to internal cohesion and strengthens our readiness for victory in the forthcoming election,” the statement further read.
The APC further called on all leaders, members, and stakeholders in Ekiti State to remain united and focused on securing a decisive victory for the party in the June 2026 Governorship Election.
“We urge all members of our great Party in Ekiti State to stand united and work assiduously for the Party’s victory. Together, we will consolidate the gains of good governance and deliver greater prosperity for our people,” Morka said.
