….ahead Ekiti Governorship Primary
By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State on Saturday conducted its delegate congress across the 177 wards of the state ahead of Monday’s governorship primary election.
The congress, held in line with the party’s guidelines, produced five delegates per ward across the 16 local government areas.
The exercise was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), representatives from the party’s national secretariat, and security agencies who ensured a peaceful atmosphere throughout the process.
Speaking shortly after participating in the exercise at his Ikogosi Ward 6, Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended party members for their unity and peaceful conduct.
The Governor, who arrived at the venue around 11:50 a.m., expressed confidence that the APC would win convincingly in all 177 wards in the June 2026 governorship election.
“Our members are happy and united in one accord to exercise their franchise. Delegates across the wards are being elected by consensus, which speaks to the harmony between the leadership and members of our party,” Oyebanji said.
He noted that the achievements of his administration in infrastructure, human capital development and social welfare have strengthened the APC’s appeal among Ekiti residents.
“In the last three years, we have made our party more attractive to the people through visible performance and good governance. Many opposition members have joined us because they see our sincerity of purpose, transparency and developmental strides,” the Governor added.
Oyebanji further assured that the APC would record a historic victory in next year’s election, predicting a clean sweep of all wards.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Delegate Congress Committee, Mr. Jaret Tenebe, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, commending Governor Oyebanji for strengthening the party’s unity and stability.
He confirmed that the process was peaceful across all local governments.
The five delegates elected from Ikogosi Ward 6 are Dr. Leye Adeniji, Mr. Isaac Aladeselu, Mrs. Yemisi Agbesusi, Mr. Bayo Ajayi and Mr. Ogunseesin.
In his remarks, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, lauded the peaceful conduct of the congress and emphasised the importance of continuity in governance.
“Anyone familiar with Lagos State’s development trajectory since 1999 will appreciate the beauty and progress that come with continuity. Ekiti deserves that kind of stability and growth,” he said.
Bamidele described Oyebanji as the consensus candidate of the APC, noting that the governor’s performance has earned him wide support.
He urged party members to embrace peace and reconciliation as the state prepares for the June 2026 governorship election.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations—including Citizen Rights for Peace and Non-Violence Initiative, Global Development Centre for Rescue Mission Nigeria and Sustainable African Initiative for Positive Development-commended the APC for conducting a transparent and inclusive delegate congress.
The group leader Romanus Azubuike described the exercise as a vital step toward ensuring a credible and violence-free primary election.
He noted that there was an impressive turnout of joyful and enthusiastic party faithfuls who participated in the exercise.
He praised Governor Oyebanji for providing a conducive environment and President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and the timely confirmation of the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joas Ojo Amupitan.
He added that Ekiti State remained peaceful during and after the exercise, commending all stakeholders for their maturity and orderliness.