In a remarkable display of political unity, the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State has officially endorsed Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as its consensus candidate for the 2026 governorship election. The historic event took place on October 27, 2025 at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, where delegates from all 177 wards across the state gathered to affirm their support.
A Day of Political Harmony
The atmosphere at the Pavilion was notably peaceful, devoid of the tension and bitterness that often characterize political gatherings. Delegates arrived early from various towns and villages, radiating confidence and purpose. This was not a day of political contest but rather one of collective affirmation, as the party stood united behind Governor Oyebanji's leadership.
The event demonstrated that when a leader's ways please the people, even potential opponents can find common ground. The air was filled with genuine shouts of solidarity, supportive songs, and spontaneous laughter—all indicating deep-seated satisfaction with the governor's performance.
The Path to Consensus
The road to this peaceful consensus wasn't without its challenges. Initially, four aspirants had purchased nomination forms for the party's primary. However, the screening committee disqualified two due to irregularities in their documents, while another aspirant voluntarily stepped down for the incumbent governor.
What could have escalated into a bitter power struggle instead transformed into a harmonious consensus. This outcome stands in stark contrast to the typical Nigerian political landscape where party primaries often end in protests and court cases.
As speeches unfolded from the podium, speaker after speaker emphasized the values of loyalty, humility, and service that characterize Governor Oyebanji's administration. They praised his calm leadership style, describing him as a leader who governs with listening ears and gentle firmness.
Beyond Political Circles: Widespread Support
The endorsement extended far beyond political delegates. Outside the Pavilion, representatives from various sectors including civil servants, teachers, market women, transport unions, and artisans took turns expressing their support for the governor.
A plank seller testified about experiencing a different kind of leadership—one that listens to ordinary traders and treats them with respect. A teachers' union representative from Ikole described Oyebanji as "a leader who understands the plight of teachers in Ekiti" while an Okada riders' representative from Ado-Ekiti noted that "he is not far from us; he walks our roads and hears our voices."
The overwhelming solidarity from these groups confirmed what has become common knowledge across Ekiti State—that the people are genuinely pleased with their governor's performance.
The Governor's Response and Lasting Impact
When Governor Oyebanji addressed the delegates, he spoke with his characteristic calm demeanor, thanking the party for their trust and promising to continue leading with humility and honesty. He emphasized that leadership is a trust, not a privilege—words that carried significant weight given his track record.
The crowd responded with enthusiastic chants of "BAO! BAO! BAO!"—the familiar rhythm of affection that has become his political signature. As the event concluded, the atmosphere resembled a thanksgiving service more than a political gathering, with delegates exchanging hugs, handshakes, and songs.
Artisans sang outside the venue, drivers honked their horns, and civil servants joined in chanting "Ora BAO! A joo sise!"—an Ekiti dialect expression meaning "All Hail BAO! Your leadership will go smoothly." This collective prayer echoed through the streets, capturing the people's joy and faith in his leadership.
The event will be remembered not for its grandeur but for its grace—the absence of rancor, the unity of purpose, and the joy that no money could buy. It marked a new chapter in Ekiti's political history, defined by maturity, trust, and what many described as divine favor.
