Ekiti guber: Oyebanji emerges APC consensus candidate

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has been confirmed as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the party’s governorship primary election scheduled for October 27, 2025.

This development was contained in a letter dated October 13, 2025, and addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The correspondence was jointly signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.

The letter titled “2025 Ekiti State Governorship Election: Notification of Change of Mode for Primary Election and Details of Nomination of Consensus Candidate,” explained that Oyebanji emerged as the sole candidate after his only cleared opponent, Mrs. Atinuke Oturemi Omolayo, voluntarily withdrew from the race and endorsed him as the party’s flag bearer.

The letter reads, “Sequel to the above quoted correspondence, we wish to formally inform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of recent developments relating to the conduct of the Party’s Governorship Primary Election in Ekiti State.

“Two aspirants were cleared to contest the primary election scheduled to be held on 27th October, 2025 through the Direct Primary mode. The cleared aspirants are Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and Mrs. Atinuke Oturemi Omolayo.

“The party has however received a letter from Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, one of the two cleared aspirants, conveying her voluntary decision to withdraw from the contest.

“In her letter, Mrs. Omolayo expressed her endorsement of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as the consensus candidate and affirmed her support for any consensus arrangement adopted by the party in nominating its flag bearer, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC). A copy of the letter is herewith attached.

“This development effectively leaves Governor Oyebanji as the sole aspirant and consensus candidate for the Governorship Primary Election.”

The party further explained that in line with Section 84 (11) of the Electoral Act 2022, the mode of the primary has been changed from direct to consensus.

“Consequently, in view of Mrs. Omolayo’s voluntary withdrawal and the endorsement of a consensus arrangement, the party is compelled by law with Section 84 (11) of the Electoral Act to change the mode of the Primary Election from Direct Primary to Consensus.

“By virtue of Section 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act 2022, where a political party adopts a consensus candidate, it is required to: (I) Obtain the written consent of a cleared aspirant for the position, signifying their voluntary withdrawal and endorsement of the consensus candidate; and (II) Conduct a Nomination Congress at the designated venue to ratify the choice of the consensus candidate.”

According to the APC leadership, the Nomination Congress to ratify Oyebanji’s candidacy will hold by 10 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Ekiti State Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti.

The ruling party also outlined the schedule for other pre-primary activities and invited INEC to monitor the process as required by law.

“Delegate Congress: Saturday 25th October, 2025.
Delegate Congress Appeal: Sunday 26th October, 2025.
Special Nomination Congress to ratify the choice of the Consensus Candidate on Monday 27th October, 2025.

“The Commission is hereby notified of the above and invited to monitor the relevant activities as required by law. Thank you and please accept the assurances of our highest regards”, they said.

With this development, Governor Oyebanji is now set to represent the APC in the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.