Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will record victory in all 177 wards of the state in the June 20, 2026, governorship election.
Speaking on Saturday at his ward in Ikogosi Ekiti during the party’s delegates congress, Oyebanji said his administration had endeared the party to the people, including members of the opposition, due to its performance in governance.
The congress was held to elect delegates from the 177 wards who will, during the party’s primary election on October 27, affirm Oyebanji as the APC governorship candidate for the forthcoming election.
The APC National Working Committee had earlier announced Oyebanji as the consensus candidate following the withdrawal of another aspirant, Mrs. Atinuke Olayemi Omolayo, while two others — Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi — were disqualified.
Describing the peaceful conduct of the exercise, Oyebanji said it demonstrated the discipline and unity of the party in the state.
“You can see that our members are happy and united in one accord. In all the wards, delegates were elected by consensus, which shows unity between the leadership and members of the party,” he said.
The governor added that the APC had become more attractive under his leadership, noting that several members from other parties had joined due to the administration’s performance.
“With God on our side, the record we want to break on June 20 next year is to win all 177 wards. It has never happened before, but by God’s grace, APC will win convincingly across the state,” Oyebanji declared.
The Chairman of the APC Delegates Congress Committee for Ekiti State, Jaret Tenebe, commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise, saying the process was transparent and in line with the party’s guidelines.
Tenebe, who also serves as the APC chairman in Edo State, congratulated the elected delegates and praised Oyebanji for strengthening the party’s unity.
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organisations and Independent National Electoral Commission-registered observers lauded the peaceful nature of the exercise.
In a communiqué issued in Ado Ekiti, the groups — Citizens Right for Peace and Non-Violence Initiative, Global Development Centre for Rescue Mission Nigeria, and Suitable African Initiative for Suitable and Positive Development — described the election as “peaceful and credible.”
Their coordinator, Romanus Azubuike, said the congress was conducted across all 177 wards in line with party rules and monitored by security agencies.
“We appreciate all stakeholders and party members for their peaceful conduct. The governor demonstrated true leadership by not interfering in the process despite being a candidate,” he said.
Azubuike noted that the exercise was significant in ensuring transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness ahead of the party’s governorship primary.
