Amanze Chinonye
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of a change in the mode of its governorship primary election in Ekiti State, following the withdrawal of one of its two cleared aspirants.
In a letter dated October 13, 2025, and signed by party officials at the national headquarters, the APC said it had adopted a consensus arrangement in line with Section 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The letter referenced earlier correspondences with INEC dated July 30, August 8, and October 9, 2025, concerning the conduct of the Ekiti governorship primary initially slated for October 27 through the direct primary mode.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the party, two aspirant Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo had been cleared to contest the primary. However, Mrs. Omolayo later wrote to the party, formally withdrawing from the race and endorsing Governor Oyebanji as the consensus candidate.
In her letter, Mrs. Omolayo reportedly expressed full support for the consensus arrangement adopted by the party in line with its constitution and the Electoral Act.
“With her voluntary withdrawal, Governor Oyebanji remains the sole aspirant and consensus candidate for the governorship primary,” the party wrote.
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Citing the relevant sections of the Electoral Act, the APC noted that the withdrawal of one aspirant and the adoption of a consensus candidate necessitated a formal change in the mode of primary election from direct to consensus.
The party added that, as required by law, a Nomination Congress would hold by 10 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Ekiti State Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, to ratify Governor Oyebanji’s nomination as the APC governorship candidate.
The party also announced an amendment to its earlier schedule of activities and timetable to reflect the new arrangement.
Governor Oyebanji, who currently serves as the incumbent, is seeking re-election under the platform of the APC. The governorship election in Ekiti State is expected to be one of the early off-cycle polls ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
