2026 Ekiti Guber: APC Settles For Consensus, Endorses Oyebanji As Sole Candidate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally adopted the consensus mode for its 2026 governorship primary election in Ekiti State, following the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the party said Mrs. Omolayo’s withdrawal from the race and endorsement of the incumbent governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as the consensus candidate, informed the decision to move from the initially indicated direct primary to a consensus arrangement.

Mrs. Omolayo, in a letter to the party, was said to have conveyed her decision to step down in the interest of unity and stability, while expressing full support for any arrangement adopted by the party in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and the APC constitution.

The party noted that it has duly notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the change in mode of primary through a letter dated October 13, 2025. It further stated that the adoption of the consensus option complies with Sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act 2022, which permit political parties to nominate candidates through consensus provided all aspirants indicate written consent.

According to the APC timetable, a delegate congress will hold on October 25, followed by a delegate congress appeal on October 26, while a special nomination congress to ratify the consensus candidate is scheduled for October 27, 2025.

The party commended Mrs. Omolayo for what it described as her “spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to party unity and progress,” urging all leaders, members, and stakeholders in Ekiti State to close ranks and work for victory in the June 2026 governorship election.