By Peter Omopo
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has expressed optimism that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will achieve an unprecedented victory across all 177 wards in the state during the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
Speaking on Saturday at his Ikogosi-Ekiti ward during the APC delegates’ congress, Oyebanji said his administration’s performance over the past three years had endeared the ruling party to the people, including many from the opposition.
“In the last three years, we have made the party more attractive to people. Many from other parties have joined us because we have delivered on our promises. By the grace of God, our target on June 20 next year is to win all 177 wards — a record that has never been achieved in Ekiti State,” the governor said.
The congress, held across all 177 wards, was conducted to elect delegates who will affirm Oyebanji as the APC’s flagbearer in today’s primary election. The APC National Working Committee had earlier adopted him as the consensus candidate following the withdrawal of Mrs Atinuke Olayemi Omolayo, the only remaining challenger after two aspirants — Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi — were disqualified.
After casting his vote, Oyebanji commended party members for their unity and peaceful conduct, describing the exercise as “a demonstration of the maturity and discipline that define the APC in Ekiti State.”
Peaceful Congress Applauded
The Chairman of the APC Delegates Congress Committee for Ekiti State, Mr. Jaret Tenebe, who also chairs the party in Edo State, described the congress as peaceful, transparent, and devoid of rancour.
“Our team moved round all local governments and wards across the state. I must commend Governor Oyebanji for making the party proud. The process was smooth, and all due process was followed,” Tenebe said.
Similarly, a coalition of civil society organisations and INEC-accredited observers commended the conduct of the ward congresses.
The coalition — comprising Citizen Right for Peace and Non-Violence Initiative, Global Development Centre for Rescue Mission Nigeria, and Suitable African Initiative for Sustainable and Positive Development — hailed the process as “peaceful and credible.”
Their coordinator, Romanus Azubuike, who read the group’s communiqué in Ado Ekiti, stated:
“The election was conducted in a peaceful and conducive manner under the watchful presence of various security agencies.”
He also praised the governor for providing an enabling environment and refraining from interference despite being a candidate, describing the process as “a crucial step toward a transparent and peaceful primary.”
No Petitions, No Protests
In another show of harmony within the party, the Chairman of the APC Appeal Panel for the Ekiti Delegates Congress, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, revealed that no petitions or complaints were received from any of the 16 local government areas.
“By 10 a.m. the following day, we were ready to review any petitions — but none was received,” said Otiotio, who also chairs the APC in Bayelsa State. “It is evident that Governor Oyebanji’s sterling leadership has fostered harmony within the APC.”
Echoing similar sentiments, the Ekiti State APC Chairman, Mr. Olusola Elesin, described the congress as hitch-free, commending party members and the electoral committee for their diligence.
“The election was hitch-free across the state. We have not received any report of irregularities, and no committee member has been sanctioned,” Elesin said.
With the peaceful completion of the delegates’ congress and a united front across all wards, observers and party leaders believe the APC is firmly positioned for a decisive victory in the forthcoming 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
