Atinuke Omolayo, a female contender for the Ekiti State governorship in 2026, has declared that she would only consider withdrawing her candidacy in favor of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Nonetheless, she remains confident in her ability to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination.
Following her screening by the APC Ekiti State Governorship Screening Committee in Abuja on Tuesday, Omolayo shared her thoughts with the press.
She expressed strong belief in her prospects, stating, “I am fully confident-100 percent-that I have a real shot. Since Ekiti State was established, no woman has ever held the governor’s office.”
“My ambition is to become the first female governor in Ekiti State, and with God’s grace, this goal will be realized,” she added.
While acknowledging Governor Oyebanji’s achievements, Omolayo emphasized that women have the potential to deliver even greater results.
“I hold Governor Biodun Oyebanji in high regard for his accomplishments. However, I believe a woman can bring fresh perspectives and achieve more. On election days, it’s often women who turn out to vote, while many men are preoccupied with activities like watching football,” she observed.
She also urged women nationwide to engage actively in politics, praising the First Lady’s efforts to motivate female participation. “I salute the mother of the nation, our First Lady, for inspiring women to get involved in governance,” Omolayo remarked.
Regarding the selection method for the party’s candidate, Omolayo expressed flexibility, saying, “Whether the party opts for direct, indirect, or consensus primaries, I am comfortable with any approach.”
She further clarified, “If the party chooses consensus and I am not the preferred candidate, I will gladly step aside and encourage my supporters to unite behind the chosen nominee. My priority is for the APC to retain power.”
When questioned about stepping down for other aspirants, Omolayo was unequivocal: “I would only consider stepping down for Governor Biodun Oyebanji. He is my leader, and the only person for whom I would make that concession. For anyone else, the answer is no.”
Earlier, Governor Oyebanji himself underwent the APC screening process ahead of the October 27 governorship primaries in Ekiti State.
After his session with the committee, Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the thoroughness of the evaluation. “The panel asked me detailed questions, and I was able to respond effectively,” he said. “I commend the APC for establishing this rigorous framework, which will help prevent internal conflicts.”
He added, “I am confident the party will make the right choice. Democracy thrives on active participation. This screening is just the initial phase; next comes the conference committee, followed by the actual election.”
“It’s important that whoever wins receives full support, as this is about more than individual candidates-it’s about ensuring our party’s continued leadership and serving the people,” Oyebanji emphasized.
Concluding, he affirmed his commitment to party unity: “I respect the party’s authority. Whatever outcome emerges from the October 27 primaries, I will accept and abide by it.”
