Ahead of the scheduled commencement of party primaries between April and May for the 2027 general elections, members and stakeholders of the Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are already engrossed in intense political manoeuvring over who will secure the party’s tickets for the state and National Assembly seats.
Apart from the 26 seats in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, the state is represented at the federal level by nine lawmakers — six members of the House of Representatives and three senators.
Tribune Online gathered at the weekend that the internal process for the selection of candidates has quietly begun across the state, triggering a series of meetings among party leaders and influential blocs within the APC.
Investigations revealed that while the party leadership remains cautious due to the June 20 governorship election and its potential implications, many leaders are leaning towards adopting the consensus option for selecting candidates, a development believed to have informed the early commencement of consultations.
The governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who is regarded as the leader of the party in the state, alongside other prominent stakeholders, is said to be playing a key role in determining who secures the tickets for the House of Assembly seats across the 26 constituencies. However, the contest for some of the nine National Assembly seats appears to be generating ripples within the party.
In the past few days, stakeholders in major local government areas, including Ado, Ikere, Ekiti East, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ido-Osi and Oye, reportedly acting with the guidance of the governor, have announced consensus candidates for several House of Assembly seats.
So far, the decisions have not sparked significant controversies, except in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency, where the son of a former governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, has been unanimously endorsed as one of the consensus candidates for the House Assembly seats in the LGA.
The endorsement of Boluwatife Fayose, who is said to have joined the APC less than six months ago, has generated debates among party members, particularly long-standing loyalists who feel sidelined.
A top APC chieftain in the state, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the uproar and political manoeuvring were not unexpected as the build-up to the 2027 elections gathers momentum.
According to him, although the younger Fayose recently joined the party, his capacity to deliver electoral value cannot be overlooked, especially considering the current political alignment of his father with both the governor and President Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the party
He said,” All the noise and arguments you are seeing in the APC are expected because this is the ruling party, and everyone wants to occupy an elective position. Unfortunately, that is not possible.
“I can tell you that leaders are meeting and deciding some of these seats, especially those of the House of Assembly, and the process has been going smoothly in the last few days. The governor is largely in charge.
“On the issue of Fayose’s son, it is what it is. You cannot deny the role his father is currently playing for the APC and the President. It is only natural that he would get something in return for his support for the governor and the President. There is little anyone can do about it, but party leaders should ensure aggrieved loyal members are persuaded and carried along.”
For the six House of Representatives seats investigations revealed that the party may drop some of the current occupants in favour of new aspirants due to unwritten zoning arrangements among communities and other political considerations. However, this move is said to be complicated by the popularity and political influence of some of the incumbents.
This situation is believed to have triggered a wave of media visibility and political mobilisation by serving federal lawmakers, particularly across social media platforms. Observers note that there has been a surge in promotional campaigns and lobbying efforts aimed at attracting the attention of party decision-makers.
Among the three senatorial seats in the state, the Ekiti Central Senatorial District seat currently occupied by the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, appears almost certain to remain with the incumbent. Apart from the fact that no strong challenger has openly declared interest in the seat, party insiders hinted that Bamidele, who is also the chairman of the governor’s 2026 governorship campaign council, is widely expected to return to the Senate in 2027 for a third term.
However, the other two senatorial seats currently occupied by Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South) and Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) are generating intense lobbying, negotiations and permutations among aspirants.
A former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, who defected to the APC last year from the PDP is reportedly making moves towards a possible return to the Senate. Party sources revealed that her potential ambition is already gaining traction among some leaders and members, setting the stage for another contest with Senator Adaramodu, who defeated her in the 2023 senatorial election.
Reacting to the tension reportedly generated by the speculation surrounding her ambition, Olujimi urged supporters to focus on mobilising support for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid rather than engaging in premature political battles.
In a statement on Sunday, the former lawmaker said, “It is imperative to address this issue because our members are almost throwing jabs at each other. At this moment, my focus is on the re-election of our governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, which I believe is the major task before all of us.
2027: Intrigues, horse-trading rock Ekiti APC over legislative tickets
March 15, 2026
APC
Ahead of the scheduled commencement of party primaries between April and May for the 2027 general elections, members and stakeholders of the Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are already engrossed in intense political manoeuvring over who will secure the party’s tickets for the state and National Assembly seats.
Apart from the 26 seats in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, the state is represented at the federal level by nine lawmakers — six members of the House of Representatives and three senators.
Tribune Online gathered at the weekend that the internal process for the selection of candidates has quietly begun across the state, triggering a series of meetings among party leaders and influential blocs within the APC.
Investigations revealed that while the party leadership remains cautious due to the June 20 governorship election and its potential implications, many leaders are leaning towards adopting the consensus option for selecting candidates, a development believed to have informed the early commencement of consultations.
The governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who is regarded as the leader of the party in the state, alongside other prominent stakeholders, is said to be playing a key role in determining who secures the tickets for the House of Assembly seats across the 26 constituencies. However, the contest for some of the nine National Assembly seats appears to be generating ripples within the party.
In the past few days, stakeholders in major local government areas, including Ado, Ikere, Ekiti East, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ido-Osi and Oye, reportedly acting with the guidance of the governor, have announced consensus candidates for several House of Assembly seats.
So far, the decisions have not sparked significant controversies, except in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency, where the son of a former governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, has been unanimously endorsed as one of the consensus candidates for the House Assembly seats in the LGA.
The endorsement of Boluwatife Fayose, who is said to have joined the APC less than six months ago, has generated debates among party members, particularly long-standing loyalists who feel sidelined.
A top APC chieftain in the state, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the uproar and political manoeuvring were not unexpected as the build-up to the 2027 elections gathers momentum.
According to him, although the younger Fayose recently joined the party, his capacity to deliver electoral value cannot be overlooked, especially considering the current political alignment of his father with both the governor and President Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the party.
He said,” All the noise and arguments you are seeing in the APC are expected because this is the ruling party, and everyone wants to occupy an elective position. Unfortunately, that is not possible.
“I can tell you that leaders are meeting and deciding some of these seats, especially those of the House of Assembly, and the process has been going smoothly in the last few days. The governor is largely in charge.
“On the issue of Fayose’s son, it is what it is. You cannot deny the role his father is currently playing for the APC and the President. It is only natural that he would get something in return for his support for the governor and the President. There is little anyone can do about it, but party leaders should ensure aggrieved loyal members are persuaded and carried along.”
For the six House of Representatives seats, investigations revealed that the party may drop some of the current occupants in favour of new aspirants due to unwritten zoning arrangements among communities and other political considerations. However, this move is said to be complicated by the popularity and political influence of some of the incumbents.
This situation is believed to have triggered a wave of media visibility and political mobilisation by serving federal lawmakers, particularly across social media platforms. Observers note that there has been a surge in promotional campaigns and lobbying efforts aimed at attracting the attention of party decision-makers.
Among the three senatorial seats in the state, the Ekiti Central Senatorial District seat currently occupied by the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, appears almost certain to remain with the incumbent. Apart from the fact that no strong challenger has openly declared interest in the seat, party insiders hinted that Bamidele, who is also the chairman of the governor’s 2026 governorship campaign council, is widely expected to return to the Senate in 2027 for a third term.
However, the other two senatorial seats currently occupied by Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South) and Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) are generating intense lobbying, negotiations and permutations among aspirants.
A former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, who defected to the APC last year from the PDP is reportedly making moves towards a possible return to the Senate. Party sources revealed that her potential ambition is already gaining traction among some leaders and members, setting the stage for another contest with Senator Adaramodu, who defeated her in the 2023 senatorial election.
Reacting to the tension reportedly generated by the speculation surrounding her ambition, Olujimi urged supporters to focus on mobilising support for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid rather than engaging in premature political battles.
In a statement on Sunday, the former lawmaker said, “It is imperative to address this issue because our members are almost throwing jabs at each other. At this moment, my focus is on the re-election of our governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, which I believe is the major task before all of us.
“I am fully committed to that election, and as of now, I have no divided mind. It is simply about #BAOtill2030.
“I urge our supporters, party faithful and well-wishers to concentrate more on the 2026 governorship election rather than creating unnecessary tension over the 2027 contest.”
In the Ekiti North Senatorial District, Senator Cyril Fasuyi is also said to be facing a challenging path to securing the party’s ticket. Several prominent political figures are reportedly considering the race, while the issue of zoning among the local government areas in the district is increasingly gaining prominence.
Political observers say it remains to be seen how the APC leadership will manage the growing tensions and political intrigues within the districts in order to preserve party unity ahead of the crucial June 20 governorship election.
Speaking with Tribune Online, the Publicity Secretary of the Ekiti APC, Segun Dipe, acknowledged the growing political activities within the party but expressed confidence that all interests and ambitions would ultimately be managed in a manner that strengthens party unity.
He described the APC as a vibrant ruling party that continues to attract goodwill, noting that the level of competition for political positions is therefore not surprising.
2027: Intrigues, horse-trading rock Ekiti APC over legislative tickets
March 15, 2026
APC
Ahead of the scheduled commencement of party primaries between April and May for the 2027 general elections, members and stakeholders of the Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are already engrossed in intense political manoeuvring over who will secure the party’s tickets for the state and National Assembly seats.
Apart from the 26 seats in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, the state is represented at the federal level by nine lawmakers — six members of the House of Representatives and three senators.
Tribune Online gathered at the weekend that the internal process for the selection of candidates has quietly begun across the state, triggering a series of meetings among party leaders and influential blocs within the APC.
Investigations revealed that while the party leadership remains cautious due to the June 20 governorship election and its potential implications, many leaders are leaning towards adopting the consensus option for selecting candidates, a development believed to have informed the early commencement of consultations.
The governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who is regarded as the leader of the party in the state, alongside other prominent stakeholders, is said to be playing a key role in determining who secures the tickets for the House of Assembly seats across the 26 constituencies. However, the contest for some of the nine National Assembly seats appears to be generating ripples within the party.
In the past few days, stakeholders in major local government areas, including Ado, Ikere, Ekiti East, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ido-Osi and Oye, reportedly acting with the guidance of the governor, have announced consensus candidates for several House of Assembly seats.
So far, the decisions have not sparked significant controversies, except in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency, where the son of a former governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayodele Fayose, has been unanimously endorsed as one of the consensus candidates for the House Assembly seats in the LGA.
The endorsement of Boluwatife Fayose, who is said to have joined the APC less than six months ago, has generated debates among party members, particularly long-standing loyalists who feel sidelined.
A top APC chieftain in the state, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the uproar and political manoeuvring were not unexpected as the build-up to the 2027 elections gathers momentum.
According to him, although the younger Fayose recently joined the party, his capacity to deliver electoral value cannot be overlooked, especially considering the current political alignment of his father with both the governor and President Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the party.
He said,” All the noise and arguments you are seeing in the APC are expected because this is the ruling party, and everyone wants to occupy an elective position. Unfortunately, that is not possible.
“I can tell you that leaders are meeting and deciding some of these seats, especially those of the House of Assembly, and the process has been going smoothly in the last few days. The governor is largely in charge.
“On the issue of Fayose’s son, it is what it is. You cannot deny the role his father is currently playing for the APC and the President. It is only natural that he would get something in return for his support for the governor and the President. There is little anyone can do about it, but party leaders should ensure aggrieved loyal members are persuaded and carried along.”
For the six House of Representatives seats, investigations revealed that the party may drop some of the current occupants in favour of new aspirants due to unwritten zoning arrangements among communities and other political considerations. However, this move is said to be complicated by the popularity and political influence of some of the incumbents.
This situation is believed to have triggered a wave of media visibility and political mobilisation by serving federal lawmakers, particularly across social media platforms. Observers note that there has been a surge in promotional campaigns and lobbying efforts aimed at attracting the attention of party decision-makers.
Among the three senatorial seats in the state, the Ekiti Central Senatorial District seat currently occupied by the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, appears almost certain to remain with the incumbent. Apart from the fact that no strong challenger has openly declared interest in the seat, party insiders hinted that Bamidele, who is also the chairman of the governor’s 2026 governorship campaign council, is widely expected to return to the Senate in 2027 for a third term.
However, the other two senatorial seats currently occupied by Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South) and Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) are generating intense lobbying, negotiations and permutations among aspirants.
A former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, who defected to the APC last year from the PDP is reportedly making moves towards a possible return to the Senate. Party sources revealed that her potential ambition is already gaining traction among some leaders and members, setting the stage for another contest with Senator Adaramodu, who defeated her in the 2023 senatorial election.
Reacting to the tension reportedly generated by the speculation surrounding her ambition, Olujimi urged supporters to focus on mobilising support for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid rather than engaging in premature political battles.
In a statement on Sunday, the former lawmaker said, “It is imperative to address this issue because our members are almost throwing jabs at each other. At this moment, my focus is on the re-election of our governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, which I believe is the major task before all of us.
“I am fully committed to that election, and as of now, I have no divided mind. It is simply about #BAOtill2030.
“I urge our supporters, party faithful and well-wishers to concentrate more on the 2026 governorship election rather than creating unnecessary tension over the 2027 contest.”
In the Ekiti North Senatorial District, Senator Cyril Fasuyi is also said to be facing a challenging path to securing the party’s ticket. Several prominent political figures are reportedly considering the race, while the issue of zoning among the local government areas in the district is increasingly gaining prominence.
Political observers say it remains to be seen how the APC leadership will manage the growing tensions and political intrigues within the districts in order to preserve party unity ahead of the crucial June 20 governorship election.
Speaking with Tribune Online, the Publicity Secretary of the Ekiti APC, Segun Dipe, acknowledged the growing political activities within the party but expressed confidence that all interests and ambitions would ultimately be managed in a manner that strengthens party unity.
He described the APC as a vibrant ruling party that continues to attract goodwill, noting that the level of competition for political positions is therefore not surprising.
Dipe said,“I have said it time and again that this is the season for this kind of political activity within our party, the jostling, consultations, negotiations and alignments. It is not unusual. It is happening largely because we are the party in government and the platform to beat at the moment. Naturally, many people will show interest in one position or another.
“However, I want to assure you that, as a party, we have well-established internal mechanisms for making decisions and resolving any issues that may arise during the process. In politics, it is normal for many people to be considered suitable for a particular position. But when there is only one position available, only one person will eventually emerge.
“What is important is that the party has structures and procedures to manage these interests, ensure fairness and address disagreements so that unity and peace within the party are preserved.
“So, I can confidently assure our members and the public that the process will run smoothly. This is simply the season of political contests and consultations, which should be understood as part of the democratic process.”
