Ekiti state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji fondly called ‘BAO’ is likely to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2026 governorship poll without facing any serious opposition within the party following his endorsement by key stakeholders in the state chapter. RASAQ IBRAHIM writes….
Although, the electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission has not fixed the date for the 2026 governorship poll in Ekiti state, the election appears to be gathering more steam as the days roll by.
While political activities have begun in full throttle within the All Progressives Congress with the members sharpening their arsenals and tools for the shadow poll, the climate in the opposition parties including the People’s Democratic Party is relatively calm.
The a lull in political activities within PDP depicts a stark contrast to the vibrant and intense politicking characteristic of the party in the past. This has sparked curiosity among political observers, who are eager to know what PDP strategy is ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The unusual calmness in the crisis-riden PDP has raised the questions about its readiness for the governorship election and its ability to dislodge the ruling APC from the Oke Ayoba Government House.
Despite its claims to end the dominance of APC in the state, the main opposition party’s chances of unseating the ruling party seem like a tall order.
The party’s history of crisis and power struggles has weakened its chances of presenting a united front against the ruling APC.The PDP’s inability to manage its internal conflicts has led to a lack of cohesion and direction, making it difficult for it to launch a challenge against APC.
Furthermore, the PDP’s leadership crisis has created a power vacuum, allowing the APC to consolidate its hold on the reins of piwer. The broom party is taken advantage of the PDP’s weaknesses to strengthen its own position, making it even more difficult for the opposition party to make inroads.
Events unfolding within APC show that Governor Biodun Oyebanji appears to be navigating a seamless trajectory towards securing the ruling party’s ticket for the governorship election. Unlike before, no APC member except Governor Oyebanji has indicated interest to vy for the ruling APC gubernatorial ticket.
The first term tenure of Oyebanji would lapse on October 16, 2026. He has the right to seek for second term in line with the 1999 Constitution, which prescribes a maximum of two terms for governors. BAO fondly called by admirers is a tested administrator with a clear vision to make Ekiti State the envy of all. The clamour by various interest groups for his re-election bears eloquent testimony to his excellent performance.
Though, APC has a history of intense power struggles,recent events within the chapter in the state clearly suggest that governor Oyebanji has already gained the support of power brokers within the party, including former governor Kayode Fayemi and it’s unlikely that any serious opposition will emerge.
Fayemi, who served as governor of Ekiti State between 2010-2014 and 2018 – 2022, has thrown his full weight behind his successor’s bid for a second term. The former governor’s endorsement is seen as a significant boost to Oyebanji’s chance. His influence within the APC in Ekiti State is huge ,and his support for Oyebanji is likely to sway many party members.
While acknowledging that others can still show interest in the APC ticket, Fayemi said, ” As for me and my entire family, we are for Biodun Oyebanji’s second term in office.We’ve all agreed that our governor is an Omoluabi par excellent who has performed exceedingly well within the last two years. And we all agreed that if we support him as our candidate, the people of Ekiti will joyfully follow us. So, the best thing to do is to rally support for him so he can continue the good work till 2030.
“I am a democrat and during my time, I contested against no fewer than 30 other aspirants in 2007 and in 2018 not less than 26 other aspirants showed interest. So, as a democrat I cannot ask anybody not to show interest. Anybody who feels he is sufficiently capable can show interest, should go ahead”, Fayemi added.
Apart from Fayemi, the APC leaders and stakeholders in Ekiti Central senatorial district have also endorsed Oyebanji for continuity in office. The APC leaders from Ekiti Central during a stakeholders meeting recently held in Ado-Ekiti gave the governor a clean bill of health for his sterling performance in the governance of the state. The endorsement comes on the heel of similar declaration from Ekiti South APC leaders, professional bodies including the Nigerian Union of Teachers and among others.
The motion for the endorsement ratified through a voice vote, was moved Senator Babafemi Ojudu and seconded by House of Representatives member representing Ekiti Central Federal constituency 1, Sola Fatoba and other leaders from the five local government area of the district.
Justifying the reasons for the endorsement in a resolution presented to the APC Acting State Chairman, Sola Elesin and via a letter transmitted to the Governor, by former Deputy Governor and Chairman, Ekiti Central APC Stakeholders, Prof Modupe Adelabu, the party restated that Oyebanji has been endorsed as the sole candidate for the next election slated for 2026.
Adelabu said the action doesn’t abridge the rights of other APC members to contest for the plum seat. What the endorsement means, according to her is that Oyebanji will get full and solid backing of all APC members in the senatorial district in the coming poll.
Addressing the mammoth crowd of party supporters that thronged the venue of the political gathering, the Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the action taken by party members signposted that they value continuity of good governance for Ekiti’s development to spiral.
The Senate Leader saluted all the past governors of the State: Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engr Segun Oni, Chief Ayodele Fayose and Dr Kayode Fayemi for their contributions to the development of the state, stressing that the solid foundation they laid has helped the current governor to consolidate and fasttrack development of the state.
“Today, we are unveiling in the open what we have been saying to ourselves under the closed doors that Ekiti has never had it so good. We are very lucky having Governor Biodun Oyebanji as our governor. What we are doing today is not a campaign, time for campaign is coming. All we are doing is to hold our regular APC senatorial meeting, this is symbolic and strategic to us.
“The frontline and greatest achievement of Governor Oyebanji is being able to unite everybody under one platform and umbrella. You may not understand what I meant by Governor Oyebanji’s unity magic.
“But if you follow the trajectory of our politics in Ekiti State, particularly what happened in 2003 between Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Ayodele Fayose, and what we witnessed between Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi in 2007, then you will understand Oyebanji’s unity magic. All these leaders are now working together and all the achievements that Ekiti made under these past leaders are being consolidated under Governor Oyebanji.
“Beyond uniting Ekiti and bringing down governance from the Olympian height of the past to the grassroots, you will understand that he has given government, governance and our party back to ordinary people. Oyebanji is working and Ekiti is progressing. We have never had it so good.
“I thank the governor for uniting all of us and for taking Ekiti to the next level. We need continuity in Ekiti. If you go to Lagos before 1999 and you go there today, continuity has brought a new lease of life to that state, so the governor should continue with his good work till 2030”.
Bamidele appreciated the governor for his midas touches and enigmatic strides in the areas of infrastructures, agriculture, youth empowerment and other pivotal actions taken to radicalise the economy, saying these have reverberated beyond the shores of the state.
In his submission, Senator Ojudu added that Oyebanji has done creditably well in unifying the party leaders and upscale development, especially focusing on human empowerment through Adire Ekiti Hub that has become the masterstroke policy turning around the lives of the citizens.
“This is the first time since 2003 when everybody will sleep with two eyes closed without fear of being killed in Ekiti. The governor is a unifier. No case of politically motivated killing under him. He has befriended his enemies and now having none. He is so humble and he must be elected for a second term and we will make sure he wins resoundingly”.
In his response, Governor Oyebanji, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC members for supporting him solidly to be able to take Ekiti to a mileage, in terms of development strides and for providing the platform to serve the people.
Oyebanji, who is also from the district, promised to continue to serve dedicatedly and with every fibre in his body to mitigate the poverty index and address the infrastructure deficit in the state, while appealing to party members to embark on aggressive mobilisation and be fair to all members.
“I am moved, very touched by this endorsement and I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. When you gave me the ticket, I told you that I will always hear your voices. In the last two years , I have served you with humility and commitment.
“Myself and the Deputy Governor accept this with all humility. But this doesn’t preclude anyone who has governorship ambition on the platform of APC from showing interest. APC is a party that respects the right of every member to contest for any position of his choice. We are not afraid of competition.
“This is history being made today in Ekiti. When INEC lifts ban on political campaigns, you will know that you have a good and acceptable governor”.
Oyebanji’s endorsement is a significant development in the state’s political landscape, as it underscores Oyebanji’s popularity and acceptability among the people. The coterie of endorsement by the APC stakeholders is expected to give him a edge over his opponents if there is any.
While it’s still early days in the race for the APC ticket, the governor’s chances appear to be bright. His unprecedented achievements in the last two years and leadership style have redefined arteries of governance in the state and earned him the moniker ” Ore mekunu” (friend of the masses).
The governor is the darling of the leading political leaders including ex- governors Ayo Fayose, Engr Segun Oni, the religious leaders, traditional rulers, and leaders of thoughts.He has warmed himself to their hearts through his inclusive leadership style and humility.
Since assuming office,Governor Oyebanji has implemented a range of innovative policies and strategic programmes that have transformed the state’s economy, improved infrastructures and enhanced the overall quality of life for the citizens.
The impact of Oyebanji’s leadership is evident everywhere in the state. From the newly constructed roads and bridges to the revamped healthcare system and the revitalised ducation sector, Ekiti people are savouring good governance and the dividends of democracy.
At the heart of Oyebanji’s success is his irrevocable commitment to inclusive and participatory governance. He has made a conscious effort to engage with citizens, listen to their concerns and respond to their needs. This approach has helped to build trust and gain people’s confidence in government.
As the clock ticks day by day towards the 2026 governorship poll, the governor is likely to retain his seat. The opposition parties in the state are yet to make their presence felt, with no visible challenger emerging from their ranks. Even within his party, Oyebanji faces little opposition, with many party leaders already queuing behind him.
