The All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted the consensus mode for the 2026 governorship primary election in Ekiti state, paving the way for Biodun Oyebanji, the incumbent governor, to pick the party’s ticket.
In a statement on Tuesday, Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the APC, said the decision followed the voluntary withdrawal of Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, one of the two cleared aspirants, from the race.
In a letter addressed to the party, Omolayo announced her withdrawal from the race and endorsed Oyebanji.
She also pledged her support for any arrangement adopted by the APC in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and the party’s constitution.
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Morka said the change from the earlier announced direct primary to the consensus mode had been duly communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through a letter dated October 13, 2025.
He stated that the decision satisfies the provisions of sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act 2022, which allow for consensus primaries under certain conditions.
The APC spokesperson added that the party has also released a timetable for the nomination process, beginning with the delegate congress on October 25, followed by the appeal process on October 26, and a special congress to ratify the consensus candidate on October 27.
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He said the APC commended Omolayo for her “spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to party unity and progress”.
“We urge all leaders, members, and stakeholders of our great party in Ekiti state to stand united and work assiduously for the party’s victory in the June 2026 governorship election,” he said.
On October 9, the APC disqualified Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi from contesting the Ekiti state governorship primary election.
The party did not give reasons for the disqualification of the two aspirants.
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The Ekiti state governorship election has been scheduled to be held on June 20, 2026.
