Oyebanji’s chance brightened as APC adopts consensus mode for Ekiti gov’ship primaries
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the adoption of a consensus mode for the conduct of its 2026 governorship primary election in Ekiti State.
This announcement is coming a week after the party had stated that it had disqualified two of the aspirants, namely, Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi for the election.
In a statement signed by Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, and dated October 14, 2025, the APC said the decision followed the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Atinuke Omolayo, from the race.
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According to the statement, Omolayo in a letter to the party conveyed her decision to withdraw from the contest and endorsed the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, as the consensus candidate.
“The change from the earlier indicated direct primary to consensus mode of primary was necessitated by the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo,” the statement read.
“In a letter to the Party, Mrs Omolayo conveyed her decision to withdraw from the contest and endorse His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as a consensus candidate, and expressed her support for any arrangement adopted by the Party in nominating its flag bearer in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Party’s Constitution.”
Morka explained that the party had duly informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its decision through a letter dated October 13, 2025, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“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,” he said.
The approved timetable, according to the APC, is as follows: 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 party commended Omolayo for her “spirit of sportsmanship” and “commitment to party unity and progress,” describing her action as one that reflects maturity and loyalty to the APC’s ideals.
“The Party commends Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo for her spirit of sportsmanship, and commitment to party unity and progress,” the statement added.
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Morka further called on party leaders, members, and stakeholders in Ekiti State to remain united and focused ahead of the June 2026 governorship election.
“We urge all leaders, members and stakeholders of our great Party in Ekiti State to stand united and work assiduously for the Party’s victory in the June 2026 Governorship Election,” he said.
The consensus arrangement now positions Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the APC’s sole candidate for the 2026 Ekiti governorship race, pending formal ratification at the nomination congress later this month.
