The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has reaffirmed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji will not be exempted from the party’s gubernatorial primary election, despite a growing wave of public endorsements for his re-election.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Segun Dipe, made it clear that no aspirant would be denied the opportunity to contest the governorship ticket in line with democratic principles and party guidelines.
“The fact that the people are trying to re-present Oyebanji may have clearly shown that he has done quite a lot that attracted them, and it is believed that he does not have control over that,” Dipe said.
“But I am insisting that as a party, all individuals are free to come and try their luck.”
Dipe explained that the wave of endorsements for Governor Oyebanji from various individuals, groups, and institutions was not orchestrated by the governor or the party, but rather stemmed from the governor’s track record and performance since assuming office.
“Some might have been wondering why virtually everyone is rooting for the governor, but I think that is not his fault. It is not his making. Perhaps his performance is what is speaking for him,” he said.
“Yet, others are free and welcome to contest with him, if he eventually shows interest.”
He emphasized that while the APC welcomes the show of confidence in the governor, it would not translate to an automatic ticket or a bypass of the party’s internal democratic process.
“Don’t also forget that the law allows people, including the governor, to show interest, because constitutionally, he has eight years tenure of two terms to run, if the people so permit him.”
On the party’s preparedness, Dipe stressed that the APC is not taking its position as the ruling party for granted and is committed to strengthening its grassroots presence through sustained membership drives and internal reforms.
“The APC, despite being the ruling party in the state, is not taking anything for granted. We are working hard to ensure we deliver on all our promises and remain connected with the people.”
He also spoke on the tenure of the current party executive, noting that while their term, which began in 2021, is winding down this year, any decision on transition would be subject to the directive of the party’s national leadership.
“The current leadership came into office in 2021 and, by schedule, is expected to wind down this year. However, that decision ultimately lies with the national headquarters. No serious party would change the goal post in the middle of the game.”
On media relations, Dipe expressed appreciation to journalists in the state for their professionalism and urged continued commitment to balanced reporting.
“We are not begging for patronage, but stories must be balanced. When people or parties in the opposition speak, they call it news, but when the party in government speaks, they call it PR,” he said.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who was elected in 2022 in an off-season election, is constitutionally eligible for a second term. While he has yet to officially declare his intention to run, the spate of endorsements from stakeholders across the state has fueled speculation about his likely bid.
