The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State will today elect its governorship candidate for next year’s election through a consensus-based primary, which is expected to produce the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, as the party’s flagbearer.
According to The Independent Mirror, the exercise is taking place at the Ekiti Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where 177 delegates, representing five per ward across the 16 local government areas, are expected to affirm Oyebanji’s candidacy.
Governor Oyebanji, fondly called BAO by his supporters, is the sole contender in the shadow poll, which will be supervised by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, assisted by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Four aspirants initially expressed interest in the race. However, one was disqualified, another withdrew, while Kayode Ojo, who earlier received provisional clearance from the Tunji Olawuyi Ajuloopin-led Screening Committee, was later disqualified by the National Working Committee (NWC).
In the build-up to today’s exercise, the party held several endorsement rallies for the governor across wards, local government areas, federal constituencies, and senatorial districts — a move that demonstrated widespread support for his re-election bid.
Observers say the APC’s approach reflects a form of consensus democracy, where party unity and loyalty are emphasized over internal rivalry. Across the 16 local government areas, there have been no reports of disputes or protests regarding the delegate selection process.
Describing the event as a “festival of unity,” party leaders say today’s exercise will be both symbolic and democratic, reaffirming the governor’s popularity and the party’s internal cohesion.
Meanwhile, Governor Usman Ododo, who chairs the primary election committee, has assured of a free, transparent, and credible process.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Ododo pledged fairness to all stakeholders and reaffirmed that the primary would reflect the spirit of unity, peace, and internal democracy within the APC.
With the coast clear and the governor enjoying overwhelming endorsement, today’s event is expected to formalize Oyebanji’s ticket for a second term in office.
