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Oyebanji: My Adoption As APC Candidate Proves Ekiti People Want Progress Sustained
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has described his adoption as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2026 governorship election as a reflection of the will of the people and a demonstration of the party’s maturity in internal democracy.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Monday , Oyebanji said the affirmation of his candidacy by all 885 APC delegates at a special congress chaired by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, was a transparent and lawful process in line with the APC constitution and the Electoral Act.
“This is a democratic process and, in democracies, there are always contentions. But as a democrat who believes in party supremacy, one has to submit to the decision of the party,” the governor said.
“The party, in its wisdom, rolled out the guidelines for aspirants to follow. Two of us were screened and cleared to contest. One of the aspirants, in her own wisdom, withdrew, leaving me as the only candidate. The party then directed that delegates should affirm the consensus, and all 885 of them spoke in unison that the arrangement was acceptable. That is democracy.”
Oyebanji dismissed claims that the exercise was an imposition, explaining that consensus remains one of the three recognised methods for selecting party candidates — alongside direct and indirect primaries.
“There’s nothing wrong with the consensus arrangement. The party should be credited and praised for this innovation, which has removed violence and rancour from our political process,” he said.
On his quiet style of governance, the governor said maintaining a low profile was a deliberate strategy focused on service delivery rather than publicity.
“Low profile is deliberate because the contract I signed with the people is to serve them. In the last three years, we have done that conscientiously, and the people are happy with us. That is why former leaders, both within the party and in the opposition, have been endorsing us,” he explained.
“If you come to Ekiti, you will see what we are doing. We are guided by our six pillars of administration, and with the support of Mr. President, we have been able to deliver on our promises. What happened in Ekiti today has never happened in our 29-year history as a state, and that speaks to something — it speaks to acceptability.”
Oyebanji said the growing unity among stakeholders across political divides was evidence that the people desired continuity of progress.
“It speaks to the fact that people want the continuation of what we are doing. There is now consensus that the slow pace of development in the past was due to governments failing to succeed themselves, and that cycle must be broken, by God’s grace,” he said.
Responding to questions about inflation and unemployment figures, the governor disputed reports that Ekiti had one of the highest inflation rates in the country.
“That assertion is not correct. When I saw the figures, I looked closely. We actually have the lowest food inflation in the South-West. What is high are non-food items like housing and beverages, which are not produced in the state. Most of them come from Lagos and Ibadan, and transport costs raise prices,” he said.
“We are creating an ecosystem that will attract big companies to set up in Ekiti so that people don’t have to go elsewhere. Industrialisation is a process, not a one-off thing. We have completed the airport and secured approval for commercial flights, and once we improve access, I believe most of these problems will be solved.”
On security, Oyebanji said Ekiti remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria but acknowledged that his administration would continue to improve vigilance and community cooperation.
“We are one of the most secure states in the country, but that doesn’t mean we should rest. We will continue to ensure safety because development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace,” he said.
“I thank all our security operatives — formal and informal — for their cooperation. Our mantra is shared prosperity. We are building an ecosystem where everyone can prosper, irrespective of social status, through access to capital, financial literacy, and cooperative societies.”
Addressing recent political tensions, Oyebanji condemned the reported attack on members of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) and denied any involvement by APC members.
“Before the ADC issue, the state had been peaceful. I condemn that action entirely, but it’s not true that APC members were responsible. The Commissioner of Police has assured me that investigations are ongoing, and whoever is found culpable will be brought to justice. That is not our character in Ekiti. We are democrats who respect dissent,” he said.
He also extended an olive branch to a disqualified aspirant, Engineer Kayode Ojo, whose supporters protested in Abuja following the party’s screening process.
“I am extending my act of fellowship to him. The APC has internal mechanisms for resolving such issues. Political contestation is normal in democracy, but committed party members submit to party structures. I am reaching out personally, and the party leadership will do the same. It’s a family issue — a storm in a teacup. People are blowing it out of proportion,” the governor stated.
Oyebanji expressed confidence that unity within the APC and the continued support of Ekiti people would secure the state’s steady progress beyond 2026.
