David Williams
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has submitted his nomination form for the 2026 governorship election at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, saying, God divinely ordained him to be the one to break the jinx of single term in office.
The submission was accompanied by a massive show of support from various stakeholders, including, Former Governors and Deputy Governors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the state’s first civilian governor, and four former deputy governors, Chief Paul Alabi, Surv Abiodun Aluko, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, and Prof Modupe Adelabu.
All nine current members of the National Assembly from Ekiti, led by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
At the APC Secretariat to witness the occasion, was the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022 governorship election, Hon Bisi Kolawole, who led members of the political family of former Governor Ayodele Fayose to solidarise with Governor Oyebanji at the event.
Also present were, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribatise. Local Government Chairmen and party leaders, representatives of state’s organised labour centers
Governor Oyebanji, while addressing the gathering, which included the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Emma Eneukwu; National Vice Chairman, Dr. D.I. kekemenke, National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola and other NWC and NEC members, urged the national leadership of the APC to align with the wishes of the people of Ekiti State to halt the trend of instability of governance and policies.
He emphasized that his administration has made significant progress in infrastructure development, healthcare, and education, and that continuity is essential for further growth.
The Ekiti Governor said the inability of any political party to produce a governor for a stretch of two terms in office has become a stain and a jinx that must broken in order for the State to witness more rapid development and stability that will make it a model in Nigeria.
Oyebanji said God had divinely ordained him to be the one to break the jinx of single term in office in the state, adding that the unprecedented massive support he enjoys from Ekiti Stakeholders across board, is an indication that it is doable.
The Governor who also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for Ekiti, rallied the party’s leadership to support the continuation of the current wave of development under President’s leadership in order to lay foundation for victory in the next presidential election.
He said: “You have listened to what Ekiti people have said. I have nothing more to add. But I want to say something here. Since the creation of Ekiti State, no governor has done two terms at a stretch and Ekiti people have come here to remove this reproach.
“We don’t want this stain to remain, we don’t want the gains we have made in our state to be reversed. The only thing that stands against development of Ekiti State is this come and go thing and I have the divine mandate to break this jinx.”
While urging the national leadership of the party to instill discipline in members, especially aspirants and their supporters, the Governor also pledged to subject himself to the regulations of the primary election to ensure a peaceful and successful conduct.
The Governor praised the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for his statesmanship and support for his administration in the last three years. He also hailed other National Assembly members and state party leaders for their cooperation.
Adebayo in his address, described Oyebanji as a trustworthy and a reliable protégé, stressing that the Governor has been very consistent in contributing to the development of the state in personal and official capacities adding that his contribution has enriched the growth of the State.
Senate Leader Bamidele assured that Oyebanji will record an overwhelming victory at the APC primary and the main election because major power blocs cutting across political parties are supporting his aspiration.
“Governor Oyebanji now enjoys the support of Ex- Governor Fayose’s structure, former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, who has just crossed over to APC and another former Governor Oni who was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last governorship poll who is now in APC.
The APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Eneukwu, pledged the readiness of the party to conduct a free, fair and transparent governorship primary in Ekiti, come October 27th, promising that the party will elect a candidate that is well acceptable to the people.
The APC governorship primary in Ekiti is scheduled for October 27, 2025, with Governor Oyebanji widely regarded as the frontrunner
