The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji as its consensus candidate for the June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State, following the voluntary withdrawal of the only other aspirant, Hon. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo.
The announcement was conveyed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a formal letter dated October 13, 2025, and jointly signed by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
Omolayo Bows Out, Endorses Oyebanji
According to the APC leadership, Hon. Omolayo submitted a written letter of withdrawal, endorsing Oyebanji and supporting the party’s consensus arrangement.
“In her letter, Mrs. Omolayo expressed her endorsement of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as the consensus candidate and affirmed her support for any consensus arrangement adopted by the party in nominating its flagbearer,” the APC’s letter to INEC reads.
This leaves Governor Oyebanji—who is seeking re-election—as the sole aspirant, automatically making him the consensus nominee of the party.
Change from Direct Primary to Consensus Mode
The APC had initially scheduled a direct primary election for October 27, 2025, with both Oyebanji and Omolayo cleared to contest.
However, citing Section 84(11) of the Electoral Act 2022, the party has now switched to a consensus mode of primary, which legally allows the nomination of a sole candidate following written consent from other cleared aspirants.
“Consequently, in view of Mrs. Omolayo’s voluntary withdrawal… the party is compelled by law… to change the mode of the Primary Election from Direct Primary to Consensus,” the letter stated.
Nomination Congress Scheduled for October 27, 2025
As part of the legal process, the APC has scheduled a nomination congress to ratify Oyebanji’s candidacy on Monday, October 27, 2025 in Ekiti State Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti.
INEC has been formally invited to monitor the ratification process, as required by law.
