Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, formally submitted his Nomination Form for the 2026 Governorship Election at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, in a remarkable display of unity and support from a diverse coalition of political leaders and stakeholders.
Governor Oyebanji was accompanied by an unprecedented gathering of prominent figures, including the first civilian Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, current and former National Assembly members, four former deputy governors—Chief Paul Alabi, Surv. Abiodun Aluko, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, and Prof. Modupe Adelabu—as well as all nine current National Assembly members from Ekiti.
The event also saw the presence of the entire Ekiti State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribatise, alongside local government chairmen, members of the state executive council, and representatives from organized labor, student bodies, youth, and women’s groups.
In a striking show of cross-party solidarity, Hon. Bisi Kolawole, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2022 governorship election, attended the event, leading members of the Osoko Political Family, associated with former Governor Ayodele Fayose, to support Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
Reflecting on the event, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, emphasizing the unity within the APC and among Ekiti’s political class.
“The APC in Ekiti remains a cohesive family, and I remain committed to our values of internal democracy,” he said.
He extended special appreciation to former governors Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ayodele Fayose, and Engr. Segun Oni, as well as Senator Bamidele and other party elders for their steadfast backing.
Oyebanji highlighted the significance of the broad support, noting that it reflects “the unity of purpose among Ekiti people and their desire for continuity, stability, and sustained development.”
He also acknowledged the role of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Association, which purchased the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms on his behalf, a gesture he described as a testament to his administration’s impactful performance in infrastructure, education, agriculture, and human capital development.
The submission of the nomination form marks a key milestone in the APC’s preparations for the Ekiti 2026 governorship election, scheduled for June 20, 2026.
The party has set the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms at ₦50 million, with the primary election slated for October 27, 2025. Oyebanji, joined by aspirants such as Olajumoke and Ojo, is among those vying for the APC ticket.
Pledging to build on his administration’s achievements, Oyebanji called for continued support and prayers, expressing confidence that, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ekiti State would reach greater heights.
“The massive show of support reflects the unity of purpose among Ekiti people,” he reiterated, promising his commitment to advancing the state’s development agenda.
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