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Sunday, 5 October 2025

No Contest, Yet All Commitment: The BAO Story Ahead of the APC Primary

BAO Media Centre

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State prepares for its governorship primary election scheduled for October 27, there's a clear consensus already taking shape across the political landscape; the consensus is that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji remains the party’s most prepared, most deserving, and most unifying candidate for the ticket.

As of today, October 6, 2025, Governor Oyebanji stands as the only serious contender in the race. While a few names have emerged in the background, many are yet to be cleared by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. In contrast, the governor has continued to dominate the field, engaging party members across wards, consolidating structures, and reaffirming unity within the APC family.

Despite facing no visible opposition, Governor Oyebanji has refused to slow down. His continued engagement with stakeholders reflects the discipline, humility, and sense of responsibility that have defined his leadership. His approach shows that serious candidates do not wait for competition before they connect with their people.

Since assuming office, Governor Oyebanji has set a new standard in party management and leadership. In a political atmosphere where party structures are often neglected after elections, he has chosen to sustain the party family from his personal resources, paying monthly stipends to party officials across the 177 wards and 16 local governments in the state.

This singular act, unprecedented in the political history of Ekiti, gives recognition and value to the party leaders. It has built trust, strengthened loyalty, and restored dignity among those who work daily to keep the party’s engine running. Oyebanji’s gesture reflects a leadership philosophy rooted in empathy, one that treats the party as a family, not a platform.

One of the most remarkable features of Oyebanji’s leadership is his approach to governance and political appointments. While appointments are constitutionally the governor’s prerogative, he has democratized the process, allowing ward and local leaders to play direct roles in nominating appointees into government positions.

This inclusive system has given every part of Ekiti a sense of ownership in government. It has also deepened party cohesion by transforming appointments from privileges of proximity into rewards of loyalty and competence. Every ward now feels represented, and every community has a voice in the affairs of government.

Across the state, party leaders have found a new sense of relevance under Oyebanji’s administration. They are no longer sidelined or symbolic; they are empowered to influence decisions and assist their people. This has strengthened the relationship between the government and the party structure, ensuring that both work in harmony for the benefit of the people.

The result is visible across all levels: peace within the party, a clear direction of purpose, and an uncommon unity that has become the envy of opposition parties. In Oyebanji’s model, leadership is not about control but about collaboration.

As preparations for the APC primary election intensify, Governor Oyebanji has remained a strong advocate of due process.

Even though the October 27 APC primary may appear to have no major contest, Governor Oyebanji’s conduct has remained exemplary. His continued consultations and grassroots mobilization show a man who understands that leadership is not about complacency. He continues to tour communities, meet leaders, and engage members, not because there is a threat to his ticket, but because he believes politics should never be taken for granted.

While some aspirants await clearance, Oyebanji has already shown readiness. His consistency and energy have kept the APC in Ekiti active, vibrant, and focused. It is this commitment that continues to set him apart as a governor who takes both governance and politics seriously.

Under Oyebanji’s leadership, Ekiti has witnessed steady development, renewed peace, and stronger unity. The government has remained people-focused, with initiatives that directly impact lives at the grassroots. His administration has built bridges across political divides, reinforcing his image as a governor for all.

The APC in Ekiti has enjoyed rare internal harmony under his watch, and many within the party believe that this stability should not be disrupted. Continuity, in this case, is not a political slogan but a tested formula for sustained progress.

As the October 27 APC governorship primary draws near, the choice before party members is to reward loyalty, consolidate progress, and strengthen the foundation of unity built over the past three years.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has shown that leadership can be humble yet firm, inclusive yet disciplined, and visionary yet people-centered. His record speaks louder than any campaign slogan.

He deserves the APC ticket not because he faces no rival, but because he has earned it through performance, character, and a rare sense of service that has turned governance into partnership and politics into genuine leadership.