APC endorses Biodun Oyebanji for Ekiti 2026 governorship election as sole candidate after Omolayo steps down for party unity.
APC endorses Biodun Oyebanji for Ekiti 2026 as its sole governorship candidate, following the voluntary withdrawal of Atinuke Omolayo from the party’s primary race.
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The announcement was made by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in Abuja on Tuesday.
The decision marks a strategic shift from a planned direct primary to a consensus arrangement, in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and the party’s constitution.
Omolayo’s withdrawal and subsequent endorsement of Oyebanji paved the way for the party’s leadership to opt for a unified front.
In her letter to the party leadership, Omolayo expressed her full support for Governor Oyebanji and backed the party’s chosen path of consensus candidacy.
Her withdrawal was officially communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), fulfilling the legal requirements under Sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act.
The party has scheduled its Delegate Congress for Saturday to complete the consensus process.
A Delegate Congress Appeal will follow on 26 October, with the Special Nomination Congress to ratify Oyebanji’s candidacy set for 27 October.
Felix Morka commended Omolayo for her “spirit of sportsmanship” and her dedication to party unity, calling on all APC members and stakeholders in Ekiti State to rally behind the governor.
“This unified decision will strengthen our preparations ahead of the June 2026 Governorship Election,” Morka noted.
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With this development, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who currently holds office, stands as the APC’s consensus candidate in what is expected to be a critical race to retain control of Ekiti State.
