Ekiti 2026: While Other Aspirants Hunt for Validators, Oyebanji’s Structure Dominates the Field

In Ekiti politics, the difference between wishful thinking and real contest is now becoming glaring, as reality is dawning on those whose political structures are only on social media.

While Engr. Kayode Ojo, popularly known as the Provisional TEMU aspirant, is still running helter-skelter in search of just five registered validators per local government across the 16 LGAs, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election machinery has been firing on all cylinders, from state to local government to the grassroots.

The BAO Primary Election Committee, chaired by Chief Alaba Abejide with Mr. Ayodeji Adarabierin as Secretary, has already inaugurated executives in all local governments and wasted no time in hitting the wards with a mobilisation tour that covers the entire 177 wards of the state.

For party members, the APC primary of October 27, 2025, is already seen as a walkover for Oyebanji. But true to his style, the governor has refused to take chances. Every structure is in place, every base covered. That, insiders say, is the mark of a serious contender, not the antics of aspirants who mistake WhatsApp platforms for constituencies and polling units.

Politics is not played on social media. It is played on the field. Governor Oyebanji has shown that he has the people, the structure, and the achievements to return to Òkè Ayọba. That’s the difference. 

In Efon, Hon. Bose Olowookere declared Oyebanji’s candidacy a “homecoming,” stressing that the governor is a son of the soil whose first term has brought pride to the community. Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun in Irepodun/Ifelodun assured that grassroots mobilisation would be “unstoppable,” while Hon. Bosun Osaloni in Ado charged members to remain steadfast because “nobody can defeat our principal.”

The ward-to-ward tour, which kicked off September 29 and continues through early October, is deepening grassroots participation and reinforcing Oyebanji’s overwhelming acceptance across Ekiti.

While some are still struggling with paperwork, a barrage of petitions, and NWC clearance that may not come, Governor Oyebanji’s camp has already won over the entire structures, winning the hearts of party faithful and celebrating victory in advance.