As the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State goes to the polls today to elect its governorship candidate for the 2026 election, political attention is fixed on Ado-Ekiti, where the exercise is being held. The party’s democratic process—built around a consensus option—is expected to reaffirm Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its flagbearer.
Delegates drawn from the 177 wards across the state are converging at the Ekiti Pavilion to cast their votes. Each ward is represented by five delegates carefully selected during last weekend’s ward congresses. The primary election is being supervised by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo serving as his deputy.
Governor Oyebanji, who is seeking re-election, remains the sole contender after other aspirants either withdrew or were disqualified by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). His endorsement at all levels—ward, local government, and state—has made the outcome a near certainty.
Ododo has assured party members of a transparent and credible process, pledging fairness and inclusiveness. He emphasized that his committee’s work would reflect the unity and democratic principles of the APC.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who led other party stalwarts to the stakeholders’ meeting, described the exercise as a celebration of continuity, stability, and development. He called for peace and discipline among members, noting that Ekiti’s APC had become a model of internal harmony.
Meanwhile, the Delegates Congress Appeal Panel led by Dr. Dennis Otiotio confirmed that no petition or complaint was received from any of the wards, attributing the unity within the party to Governor Oyebanji’s inclusive leadership style.
Civil society groups, including the Citizen Right For Peace And Non-Violence Initiative and the Global Development Centre for Rescue Mission Nigeria, praised the peaceful atmosphere of the congress, describing it as credible and transparent.
Governor Oyebanji, who voted at his ward in Ikogosi-Ekiti, commended party members for their loyalty and unity, expressing optimism that the APC would sweep all 177 wards in the forthcoming 2026 governorship election.
