Ekiti 2026: Time for the Progressive Camp to Close Ranks.

Ekiti 2026: Time for the Progressive Camp to Close Ranks.

...lone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the good people of Ekiti State have been commended for demonstrating uncommon patriotism and commitment to progressive ideals by upholding democratic culture in the peaceful selection of the party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 election.

In a press statement issued by HC Ade, Convener of Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), yesterday after their strategic review meeting,  the group commended the humility of Governor Oyebanji for accepting the people’s call to serve for another term. They also lauded his large-heartedness in extending a hand of fellowship to his co-contestants in the overall interest of Ekiti State.

It will be recalled that four party members, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Engr. Kayode Ojo, Mrs. Abimbola Olawumi, and Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo earlier expressed interest in the APC governorship ticket. Following the screening exercise conducted by the APC National Working Committee (NWC), Governor Oyebanji and Mrs. Omolayo were cleared for the primaries scheduled for October 27, while Engr. Ojo and Mrs. Olawumi were disqualified.

Subsequently, Mrs. Omolayo, the only aspirant cleared alongside Governor Oyebanji, graciously withdrew from the race, paving the way for the governor to emerge as the consensus candidate of the party.

Following this development, and in line with the party’s guidelines, the APC in Ekiti State conducted a peaceful, free, and credible ward delegates’ congress across the 177 wards on October 25, 2025, ahead of the consensus exercise scheduled for October 27.

The delegates’ election process led to the overwhelming affirmation of Governor Oyebanji by all 884 delegates, in compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines and Section 84 of the Nigerian Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended).

The unprecedented exercise was monitored by INEC officials, journalists, civil society organisations (CSOs), and security agencies in an atmosphere of peace, cordiality, and unity of purpose.

In a rare display of political maturity, shortly after his consensus victory on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Governor Oyebanji urged all supporters within the APC and across opposition parties to embrace unity ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election. He described the contest for the party’s ticket as a “family affair,” declaring that “there is no victor, no vanquished; we are all winners.”

Governor Oyebanji also extended a hand of fellowship to his co-aspirant, Engr. Kayode Ojo, calling for cooperation to ensure total victory for the APC in the 2026 governorship poll. He urged party members to return to their respective wards and continue mobilising grassroots support ahead of the commencement of campaigns.

The OSV further commended all stakeholders and residents of the state for their continued support for Governor Oyebanji’s administration. The group called on party members to close ranks and sustain the present spirit of togetherness as they prepare for the 2026 governorship election and the 2027 general election, in order to deepen democratic culture and lay a solid foundation for the state’s development.

“Together we are stronger; divided we are weaker,” the group declared.

Signed:

HC Ade

Convener, Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV)