By Oluwabukunmi
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mr. Dare Owolabi, has commended the national and state leadership of the party for adopting a consensus approach ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election, describing it as a clear sign of the party’s readiness to retain power.
Owolabi, a senatorial aspirant for Ekiti North District, hailed the endorsement and ratification of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the APC’s governorship candidate, saying the decision reflects “strategic foresight and uncommon unity” within the party.
Speaking at a grand reception in his Odo Oro Ekiti residence, Ikole Local Government Area, on Friday, Owolabi described Oyebanji’s emergence through consensus as a “masterstroke that underscores the party’s internal cohesion and electoral preparedness.”
He said, “I commend the leadership of our party for its wisdom and commitment to consensus-building. By closing ranks early and putting an end to internal disputes, the APC has demonstrated that it is in top form to win the 2026 election convincingly.”
The APC stalwart praised Governor Oyebanji’s “sterling performance” in office, noting that his achievements over the past three years have “strengthened the party’s credibility and endeared it to the electorate.”
According to Owolabi, “The decision to support Governor Oyebanji for a second term is not just logical but richly deserved. His leadership style, transparency, and commitment to development have raised Ekiti’s profile nationally.”
He called on all APC members to rally behind the governor’s development agenda and remain united in the pursuit of shared goals. “Collective loyalty and cooperation are vital for the sustained growth and progress of Ekiti State,” he said.
Owolabi also urged Oyebanji to deepen inclusiveness and party unity, saying, “Now more than ever, His Excellency must show that he remains the quintessential father of all by extending his open hands to every member of the party.”
He appealed to aspirants who initially sought the governorship ticket to remain loyal and supportive of the party’s collective decision. “This is the time to prove that the APC comes first before individual ambitions,” he emphasized.
Encouraging civic participation, Owolabi advised eligible voters without valid Permanent Voter Cards to seize the opportunity of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, describing the PVC as “a powerful instrument of political empowerment.”
He also appreciated members of his Irawo Owuro Project for their steadfastness, assuring them of continued engagement as the movement expands across the state.
PUNCH Online reports that Governor Oyebanji was confirmed as the APC candidate through a consensus arrangement during the party’s primary held on October 27.
In his acceptance speech, the governor described the development as “an affirmation of the collective will of thousands of APC members across Ekiti State,” and lauded fellow aspirants, including Mrs. Oluremi Omolayo, who voluntarily withdrew from the race, and Mr. Kayode Ojo, who was disqualified earlier in the process.
Oyebanji said, “There is no victor or vanquished in this contest. We are all winners for demonstrating that we can disagree to agree for the common good of our party and our state.”
He further described the consensus arrangement as “a milestone in Ekiti’s political maturity and a reflection of the growing stability within the APC since 2022.”
