Bamidele: APC will adopt Oyebanji as consensus candidate for Ekiti guber

Opeyemi Bamidele, majority leader of the senate, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) will support Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti state, for a second term in office.

Speaking during the distribution of bags of fertilizers to farmers in Ado Ekiti, capital of Ekiti, Bamidele said no one would contest the APC ticket with Oyebanji ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

“No one will contest against BAO in the APC. The party will adopt a consensus arrangement by the special grace of God,” the senator said.

“In Ekiti, contesting elections has become an industry for some people. What they are after is to see an aspirant they can leech on two or three years before the election.

“If you decide to back out, they take offence.”

Bamidele said he is committed to the progress and unity of Ekiti.

“In our previous struggles, I spent a lot. I bought vehicles for all the 16 local governments and supported some political personalities,” he said.

“So, if I say I am not contesting now, it shouldn’t cause any problems or fights.

“All those that matter in Ekiti’s progress are now in one accord. If there is any developmental meeting about Ekiti, you will find our father, Aare Afe Babalola, and illustrious sons of Ekiti like Chief Wole Olanipekun, Femi Falana, Ayo Fayose, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and Opeyemi Bamidele behind it.

“If some are still not pleased with this peace accord that’s birthing development in the state, and insist there must be political turmoil by all means, it’s clear what manner of people they are.”

Bamidele said there is “an ongoing partnership in Ekiti to sustain peace and progress in the state”.