The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ekiti North Federal Constituency 2, Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, on consecutive days appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja, throwing his weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji as legal disputes threaten the party’s internal stability ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Hon. Olarewaju, a lawyer, joined the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), during proceedings linked to suits filed by Bimbo Olawunmi and allies of Kayode Ojo. The cases challenge aspects of the party’s candidate selection process, raising fresh tensions within the APC in Ekiti State.

His presence in court comes at a critical point in his own political campaign, a move observers within the party interpret as a calculated show of loyalty and alignment with the governor’s political direction.

Speaking to associates after the court sitting, Hon. Olarewaju framed his decision as a defence of electoral integrity and party cohesion. He drew from his experience during the party primaries three years ago, where he contested outcomes he believed did not reflect the will of party members.

“This is about protecting the mandate of the people and ensuring that legal distractions do not derail the progress already underway in Ekiti,” he said.

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has anchored its agenda on continuity and economic expansion, with ongoing investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and education. Supporters argue that prolonged legal battles could slow the pace of these reforms.

Hon. Olarewaju has also intensified mobilisation efforts across Ido-Osi, Moba, and Ilejemeje local government areas, projecting a strong voter base for the APC in the constituency. Party insiders say his dual focus on grassroots engagement and high-level legal support reflects a broader strategy to consolidate influence ahead of the elections.

While the court is yet to deliver its ruling, the outcome of the suits could shape the APC’s internal dynamics in Ekiti and test the cohesion of its leading figures.

For now, Hon. Olarewaju’s courtroom presence signals more than routine party support, it underscores the stakes within Ekiti’s political landscape as alliances tighten and legal scrutiny deepens.

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.