A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, has congratulated Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji following a Federal High Court ruling affirming him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Hon. Akinlayo, who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, described the judgment as a clear endorsement of democratic order and party authority, stressing that it validates the APC’s right to determine its membership and candidates without external interference.

In a statement issued shortly after the ruling, the lawmaker said the decision has energised party members and residents across Moba, Ilejemeje, and Ido/Osi local government areas, who he noted have thrown their weight behind the governor’s leadership.

He said the court’s position strengthens confidence in Mr Oyebanji’s administration, which he credited for maintaining a focus on grassroots development and inclusive governance.

“This judgment affirms our collective belief in justice and reinforces the stability needed to sustain ongoing development across Ekiti,” Hon. Akinlayo said.

The federal lawmaker also called for unity within the APC, urging stakeholders and supporters to rally behind the governor as preparations for the 2026 election gather pace.

The court ruling, which settles lingering questions around the party’s ticket, places Mr Oyebanji in a stronger political position as he moves towards seeking a fresh mandate under the APC platform.

A United Kingdom-based academic and retired Ekiti civil servant, Dr. Samuel Babatola Ayiti, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijero Ekiti, declaring support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

Dr. Ayiti announced his membership on Monday during the APC ward meeting at Eyigbo Street, Ijero Ekiti Ward C, where party leaders and supporters received him into the fold.

Dr. Babatola Ayiti Joins APC in Ekiti, Backs Oyebanji Re-election Bid

Speaking at the gathering, he praised the leadership of Governor Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging party members to close ranks and intensify mobilisation efforts across communities. He stressed that unity at the grassroots would determine the party’s performance at the polls.

“We must stay committed and deliver our ward convincingly,” he said, calling on members to expand outreach and consolidate support within their neighbourhoods.

Dr. Ayiti said his delayed formal entry into partisan politics stemmed from restrictions tied to his years in the civil service. Now retired, he described his decision as timely and deliberate.

“This is the right moment to fully align with what I believe in,” he said, adding that he had consistently supported the APC during previous elections.

Party officials, led by ward chairman, Mrs.  Ade Babalogbon, described his defection as a strategic gain for the party in Ijero Ekiti. They expressed confidence that his experience and network would strengthen ongoing grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.

The meeting ended with a formal welcome and renewed calls for unity, as Dr. Ayiti pledged to play an active role in the party’s local campaign structure.

Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, has called on Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, unity and renewed faith as Christians mark this year’s Easter celebration.

In a message released on Sunday, Mr Akinlayo extended greetings to Christian faithful across Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, framing the Easter season as a moment to reflect on shared values that bind communities together.

He said the period goes beyond ritual observance, urging citizens to draw strength from its deeper meaning and apply it to the country’s current realities.

“Easter speaks to sacrifice, love and renewal,” he said, adding that the season should inspire hope and strengthen collective resolve toward peaceful coexistence.

The lawmaker linked the message to broader concerns about national cohesion, urging residents in his constituency and beyond to prioritise unity over division.

He also called for a renewed commitment to progress at the grassroots, noting that community development depends on shared responsibility and sustained effort.

Hon. Akinlayo expressed optimism that the spirit of Easter would rekindle a sense of purpose among citizens and drive efforts toward building a more stable and united society.

He wished Christians a peaceful celebration, urging families to use the period to reconnect and reflect on values that promote harmony.