APC Switches To Consensus Mode For Ekiti Governorship Primary

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its decision to adopt a consensus mode for selecting its governorship candidate in Ekiti State ahead of the October 27 off-cycle election.

In a letter dated October 13, 2025, and acknowledged by INEC the same day, the ruling party explained that the change became necessary following the withdrawal of one of its two cleared aspirants. The correspondence, jointly signed by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, stated that the only remaining aspirant, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, will now emerge as the party’s consensus candidate.

The letter noted that the initial plan was to hold a direct primary involving two cleared aspirants—Governor Oyebanji and Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo. However, Mrs. Omolayo formally withdrew from the race and endorsed the incumbent governor as the party’s flag bearer.

According to the APC, Omolayo’s withdrawal automatically triggered a legal obligation under Section 84 (11) of the Electoral Act 2022 to shift from a direct primary to a consensus arrangement. The party explained that it had attached her written consent endorsing Oyebanji as the sole candidate, as required by law.

The APC further disclosed that a special nomination congress will hold at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 27, at the Ekiti State Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti to ratify Oyebanji’s candidacy. The event, the party said, would serve as the formal confirmation of his nomination in line with electoral guidelines.

Ahead of the congress, the APC also adjusted its internal timetable. A delegate congress is set for Saturday, October 25, followed by an appeal session on Sunday, October 26, before the final ratification on October 27.

The party urged INEC to monitor all the activities related to the new process as stipulated by the Electoral Act.

The move effectively positions Governor Oyebanji as the sole candidate of the APC in the upcoming Ekiti governorship election, giving him a clear path to secure the party’s ticket unopposed.