APC Leaders in Ekiti Central Endorse Governor Oyebanji for 2026 Governorship Election

In a show of party unity and continuity, frontline leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti Central Senatorial District have endorsed Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party’s sole candidate for the 2026 governorship election in the state.  

Led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and former Deputy Governor Professor Modupe Adelabu, APC stakeholders across the five local government areas in the district ratified the endorsement through a thunderous voice vote at a special senatorial meeting held at the Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Ekiti.  

The motion for Oyebanji’s endorsement was moved and seconded by key party figures, including Senator Babafemi Ojudu, two-time Commissioner Mrs. Ronke Okunsanya, House of Representatives members Hon. Biodun Omoleye and Hon. Sola Fatoba, former Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Tope Ademiluyi, and former House of Representatives member Hon. Wumi Ogunlola.  

Presenting the resolution to the APC Acting State Chairman, Sola Elesin, and in a letter transmitted to the governor, Professor Adelabu clarified that while the endorsement signals strong support for Oyebanji, it does not prevent other party members from contesting. However, she emphasised that the governor would receive full backing from the senatorial district.  

Addressing the gathering, Senator Bamidele highlighted the importance of continuity in governance, stressing that Oyebanji’s leadership had transformed Ekiti State. He praised past governors—including Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engr. Segun Oni, Chief Ayodele Fayose, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi—for laying the groundwork for development, which Oyebanji has effectively built upon.  

“Today, we are unveiling in the open what we have been saying to ourselves under the closed doors that Ekiti has never had it so good. We are very lucky having Governor Biodun Oyebanji as our governor. What we are doing today is not a campaign, time for campaign is coming. All we are doing is to hold our regular APC senatorial meeting, this is symbolic and strategic to us. 

“The frontline and greatest achievement of Governor Oyebanji  is being able to unite everybody under one platform and umbrella. You may not understand what I meant by  Governor Oyebanji’s unity magic.

“But if you follow the trajectory of our politics in Ekiti State, particularly what happened in 2003 between Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose, and what we witnessed between Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi in 2007, then you will understand Oyebanji’s unity magic. All these leaders are now working together and all the achievements that Ekiti made under these past leaders are being consolidated under Governor Oyebanji. 

“Beyond uniting Ekiti and bringing down governance from the Olympian height of the past to the grassroots, you will understand that he has given government, governance and our party back to ordinary people. Oyebanji is working and Ekiti is progressing. We have never had it so good.”

He likened Ekiti’s trajectory to that of Lagos, where political continuity has driven development, and urged party members to support Oyebanji’s administration till 2030. 

“I thank the governor for uniting all of us and for taking Ekiti to the next level. We need continuity in Ekiti. If you go to Lagos before 1999 and you go there today, continuity has brought a new lease of life to that state, so the governor should continue with his good work till 2030.”

Echoing Bamidele’s sentiments, Senator Ojudu commended the governor’s commitment to security, development, and human empowerment. He specifically praised the Adire Ekiti Hub, which has uplifted artisans and provided economic opportunities for residents.  

“This is the first time since 2003 that people in Ekiti can sleep with both eyes closed without fear of political violence. Governor Oyebanji has united his rivals, ensuring peace and stability,” Ojudu remarked.  

In his response, Governor Oyebanji expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC leaders, and members for their support. He reaffirmed his commitment to tackling poverty and infrastructure deficits while ensuring inclusive governance.  

“I am moved, very touched by this endorsement and I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. When you gave me the ticket, I told you that I will always hear your voices. In the last two years , I have served you with humility and commitment.”

He assured that the APC remains an open party where all members have the right to contest, emphasising that the endorsement does not preclude anyone from running.  

“Myself and the Deputy Governor accept this with all humility. But this doesn’t preclude anyone who has governorship ambition on the platform of APC from showing interest. APC is a party that respects the right of every member to contest for any position of his choice. We are not afraid of competition. 

“This is history being made today in Ekiti. When INEC lifts ban on political campaigns, you will know that you have a good and acceptable governor.”

The event witnessed a strong show of support from top APC figures, including Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, former Attorney General Wale Fapohunda (SAN), as well as serving and former local government chairmen and councilors.  

It is noteworthy that APC leaders from the South Senatorial District had previously endorsed Governor Oyebanji for re-election in a similar show of party consensus. 

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