APC Adopts Consensus, Declares Oyebanji Sole Candidate for 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted a consensus arrangement for its Ekiti State governorship primary, confirming Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as the party’s candidate for the June 20, 2026 election.

The decision follows the voluntary withdrawal of the only other cleared aspirant, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, who endorsed the incumbent governor as the consensus choice.

In an official communication to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dated October 13, 2025, and jointly signed by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the party announced the change from a direct primary to a consensus mode in compliance with Sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

According to the letter, Omolayo’s withdrawal left Governor Oyebanji as the sole aspirant, compelling the party to proceed with a consensus nomination as provided by law. The APC stated that a Special Nomination Congress will hold on October 27, 2025, at the Ekiti State Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, to ratify Oyebanji’s candidacy, with INEC invited to monitor the process.

Earlier, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had approved the new arrangement after confirming Omolayo’s withdrawal letter, which expressed her support for the consensus decision and commitment to party unity.

The development comes after another aspirant, Kayode Ojo, was disqualified during the screening exercise earlier this month.

In a statement issued by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party commended Omolayo for her “spirit of sportsmanship” and reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act.

With the consensus process now formalised, Governor Oyebanji is expected to be officially ratified later this month as the APC’s flag bearer for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.