Dare Owolabi commends APC leadership for consensus on Governor Oyebanji’s candidacy, calling it a masterstroke for Ekiti’s 2026 election.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mr Dare Owolabi, has commended the party’s national and state leadership for fostering consensus and unity ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
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Owolabi, a senatorial hopeful for Ekiti North District, praised both the leadership and members of the APC for endorsing and ratifying Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party’s governorship candidate, describing the decision as a “masterstroke” that positions the APC for a convincing victory.
Speaking during a grand reception at his Odo Oro Ekiti residence in Ikole Local Government Area on Friday, Owolabi lauded Oyebanji’s sterling performance over the past three years, saying it had “strengthened the APC’s chances in the forthcoming poll.”
“I commend the party leadership for its wisdom and consensus-building efforts,” Owolabi said. “With the way the APC has laid to rest the controversy over the governorship nomination, the party has shown that it is in good standing to win the 2026 election convincingly.”
He described Oyebanji’s emergence as a consensus candidate as “a testament to his outstanding performance and exemplary leadership style,” noting that the governor’s achievements had elevated Ekiti’s profile both nationally and regionally.
Owolabi urged APC members to remain steadfast in supporting the governor’s developmental agenda, stressing that “collective loyalty and cooperation are vital for the sustained growth and progress of Ekiti State.”
He also called on Governor Oyebanji to continue to promote inclusiveness within the party, saying, “Now more than ever, this is the time for His Excellency to show that he remains the quintessential father of all by extending his open hands to every member.”
The APC stalwart appealed to aspirants who had sought the governorship ticket to remain loyal to the party, insisting that “the APC must come before individual ambitions.”
Owolabi further encouraged eligible voters to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as “an important tool for civic participation and political empowerment.”
He expressed gratitude to members of his Irawo Owuro Project for their dedication and assured them of continued engagement as the movement advances.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that Governor Oyebanji emerged as the APC candidate for the 2026 governorship election through a consensus arrangement during the party’s primary held on October 27.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebanji said the endorsement was “an affirmation of the collective will of thousands of APC members across the state.” He also extended appreciation to Mrs Oluremi Omolayo, who voluntarily withdrew from the race, and to Mr Kayode Ojo, who was earlier disqualified.
“I look forward to working with both of you to ensure total victory for our party,” Oyebanji said. “There is no victor or vanquished — we are all winners for proving that we can disagree to agree for the common good of our party and state.”
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He described the consensus arrangement as a major milestone in Ekiti’s political maturity, symbolising a growing culture of dialogue and stability since 2022.
