By Nonye Okonkwo,
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji appears set to run unopposed as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2026 governorship election, following an overwhelming show of support from key state and national stakeholders during the submission of his nomination forms.
The event, which took place at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, was less a routine administrative exercise and more a political coronation, signaling a powerful endorsement of his quest to break the state’s “second-term jinx.”
Governor Oyebanji was accompanied by an unprecedented delegation of the state’s political elite, clearly demonstrating that all major power blocs within Ekiti APC, and even some elements from the opposition, have aligned behind his candidacy.
The delegation included the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and the first civilian Governor of the state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo. Crucially, the presence of four former Deputy Governors and all nine current members of the National Assembly from Ekiti underscored the widespread acceptance of his leadership.
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Perhaps most significant was the appearance of the former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate from the 2022 election, Hon. Bisi Kolawole, who led members of the former Governor Ayodele Fayose political structure to support Oyebanji. This cross-party solidarity suggests that the political opposition to Oyebanji within the state is rapidly diminishing.
Addressing the gathering at the party secretariat, Governor Oyebanji emphasized that his primary mission is to secure a second consecutive term for the APC, a feat no political party has achieved in Ekiti State since the return to democracy.
“The inability of any political party to produce a governor for a stretch of two terms in office has become a stain and a jinx that must be broken in order for the State to witness more rapid development and stability,” Oyebanji stated. He added that the widespread support he currently enjoys is a divine sign that he is the one “divinely ordained” to achieve this political milestone.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reassured the National Leadership of the party that Oyebanji would record an overwhelming victory, attributing the momentum to the Governor’s inclusive leadership style, which has successfully integrated various rival political groups into the APC fold.
The affirmation of Oyebanji through this consensus-like mobilization comes despite the existence of other aspirants, such as Kayode Ojo, who had previously been involved in the governorship primary process. However, the sheer organizational unity behind the incumbent suggests a clear path for his candidacy .
