Ekiti APC governorship race sees Oyebanji call for unity and civility after being declared consensus candidate ahead of 2026 election.
Ekiti APC governorship race has taken a new turn toward reconciliation and unity, as Governor Biodun Oyebanji urged party supporters to embrace inclusivity and avoid divisive rhetoric following the resolution of the party’s internal contest ahead of the June 20, 2026 election.
Also read: APC Endorses Biodun Oyebanji for Ekiti 2026 Governorship Race
Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Thursday during an event marking his third year in office, Oyebanji described the leadership tussle within the All Progressives Congress as a “family contestation”, emphasising that “no one lost, and everyone won.”
The party’s internal screening had earlier cleared only Oyebanji and Atinuke Omolayoto contest in the October 27 primary, disqualifying Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi.
However, with Omolayo formally withdrawing from the race earlier this week, Oyebanji now stands as the consensus candidate for the APC.
Rather than celebrating a political victory, the governor used the opportunity to douse any potential tensions among party faithful.
“I don’t want abusive songs. I don’t want anybody to be abused,” he said. “It is not an offence to be ambitious. Every right-thinking Ekiti citizen has the right to the office of governor. But it is God who appoints.”
Calling for reconciliation, Oyebanji added: “As far as I am concerned, I’m not begrudging anybody.
They didn’t defect to another party. This was a family matter, and now that it’s resolved, we must move forward together.”
The governor’s remarks aim to reset the tone of the APC’s internal dynamics, steering the party toward collective strength ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Also read: Peter Mbah Joins APC in Bold Move to Boost Enugu Growth
His calm and inclusive approach, observers say, reflects a broader effort to ensure internal cohesion as the party enters another critical electoral cycle.
