APC adopts consensus in Ekiti as Governor Biodun Oyebanji emerges sole candidate after other aspirants withdraw or are disqualified.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has adopted a consensus option for its 2026 governorship primary, paving the way for incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji to clinch the party’s ticket unopposed.
Also read: APC Endorses Biodun Oyebanji for Ekiti 2026 Governorship Race
The decision follows the disqualification of two aspirants, Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi, by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for failing to meet constitutional requirements, while another contender, Atinuke Omolayo, voluntarily withdrew and endorsed the governor.
The development effectively leaves Oyebanji as the sole aspirant, with the APC leadership describing today’s congress in Ado-Ekiti as a ratification rather than a competitive primary.
As the sitting governor, Oyebanji enjoys broad institutional support, access to party structures and goodwill from his administration’s performance.
Virtually all local government chairmen, as well as state and national assembly members, are believed to be backing his second-term bid.
The party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, had earlier hinted at the APC leadership’s preference for Oyebanji’s continuity, describing him as a stabilising force within the state chapter.
Meanwhile, disqualified aspirant Kayode Ojo had claimed he enjoyed grassroots backing, accusing Oyebanji’s allies of using petitions to eliminate rivals from the race.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele revealed on Friday that President Bola Tinubu personally intervened to persuade Kayode Ojo to work with Oyebanji for the unity of the party.
“Engr. Kayode Ojo told me that the President advised him to go home and make peace,” Bamidele told journalists in Ado-Ekiti.
“He said he didn’t challenge the disqualification in court because of Tinubu’s advice. I’m convinced he will work closely with the party and give the governor the honour he deserves.”
With all other aspirants out of the race, today’s APC congress will formally ratify Oyebanji’s candidacy.
Party Publicity Secretary Segun Dipe defended the consensus arrangement, saying it was constitutional and reflected the will of party members.
“There are three types of primaries—direct, indirect and consensus—all are legitimate,” Dipe said.
“If people call it coronation, so be it. It is still a constitutional consensus primary. When other aspirants have withdrawn or been disqualified, we must go with the candidate that members trust.”
He added that Ojo “deliberately disqualified himself” by not following party guidelines, comparing the situation to “failing to sit for JAMB before seeking university admission.”
Despite the party’s position, protests erupted at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, with supporters of Ojo rejecting the consensus arrangement and demanding a transparent primary election.
Public affairs analyst and former commissioner Lanre Ogunsuyi said the controversy had created tension within the party.
“The NWC’s decision to disqualify aspirants cleared the way for Oyebanji but triggered discontent among grassroots supporters who see it as imposition,” Ogunsuyi noted.
The chairman of the delegate congress, Jarret Tenebe, who also heads the Edo APC, confirmed that 488 non-financial members would not be allowed to vote, urging all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful process.
Although Oyebanji’s emergence appears certain, the protests highlight the fragile unity within the party.
Ekiti’s history of contentious primaries and post-election litigations has led observers to warn that the APC must manage the fallout carefully to avoid future internal crises.
The prevailing sentiment within the party indicates broad consolidation around the governor. However, a faction of members continues to demand competitive primaries, arguing that genuine democracy thrives on choice.
Also read: APC Ekiti Protest Erupts over Kayode Ojo’s
For now, though, the APC in Ekiti seems to have settled for stability over contest—making today’s congress less a primary, and more a political coronation for Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
