As the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State approaches, political tension is rising between the opposition parties and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have ramped up efforts to uphold the political tradition where no governor succeeds himself. Meanwhile, the APC is determined to defy this trend by positioning Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a historic re-election bid.
While Ekiti has seen governors serve two terms, such as Ayodele Fayose and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, neither served consecutive terms. The APC is striving to make Oyebanji the first governor to win back-to-back terms. As his administration nears its two-year mark, APC members and various sectors across the state have enthusiastically endorsed his leadership, citing his positive performance and ability to unite different political groups.
APC’s Wave of Endorsements
The APC has been vocal in its support for Oyebanji’s second term, with endorsements coming from both within and outside the party. Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, vowed to lead the governor’s re-election campaign, while former PDP governorship candidate Bisi Kolawole’s concession of defeat in 2022 has added to speculation about Oyebanji’s growing influence. The support also extends to influential leaders like former Governors Adeniyi Adebayo, Fayemi, and even Fayose, an opposition leader, who publicly supported Oyebanji at a thanksgiving event marking his first year in office.
Various other groups, including council chairmen, pensioners, and local communities, have rallied behind Oyebanji, praising his governance. The governor’s efforts to foster unity by reaching out to opposition leaders, such as Fayose and Senator Abiodun Olujimi, have further bolstered his image.
Opposition Pushback
Despite the wave of support, the opposition parties remain critical of the APC’s strategy. SDP state chairman, Dr. Dele Ekunola, dismissed the endorsements as a political ploy to distract Oyebanji, urging the governor to focus on governance instead of basking in accolades. Ekunola warned that internal competition within the APC would still arise, cautioning that the endorsements may give Oyebanji a false sense of security.
The PDP has echoed similar concerns, with former state chairman Alaba Agboola emphasizing that the people of Ekiti are more interested in seeing developmental projects than political endorsements. He criticized the APC for diverting the governor’s attention from fulfilling his campaign promises, highlighting poor infrastructure as a pressing issue for the state.
Both opposition parties remain focused on positioning themselves for a strong challenge in 2026. The SDP, which placed second in the 2022 election, is keen to exploit Oyebanji’s perceived weaknesses, while the PDP is determined to reclaim power by contrasting the current APC administration with its own track record.
APC’s Confidence
In response to opposition criticisms, APC Publicity Secretary Segun Dipe insisted that the endorsements reflect the genuine approval of the Ekiti people and not mere party politics. He dismissed the opposition’s views as expressions of contempt and hatred, asserting that Oyebanji’s performance speaks for itself. According to Dipe, the party’s internal unity and Oyebanji’s broad appeal give the APC confidence that he can break the jinx and win a consecutive term.
As the political battle lines are drawn, all eyes will be on Governor Oyebanji and how he navigates the growing support and opposition leading up to the 2026 election.
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