A female governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Atinuke Omolayo, has declared that she would only step down from the 2026 race if Governor Biodun Oyebanji is chosen as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
Omolayo, who appeared before the APC Governorship Screening Committee in Abuja on Tuesday, said she was confident of securing the party’s ticket and making history as Ekiti’s first female governor.
“I have a chance, I have 100 percent. Since the creation of Ekiti State, there has never been a female governor. I want to be the first, and by the grace of God, it will happen,” she told reporters.
While commending Oyebanji’s performance in office, she argued that a woman could achieve even more. She urged women across the country to participate actively in politics, adding: “In elections, it’s we women who come out and vote.”
Omolayo said she would accept any form of primary—direct, indirect, or consensus—but stressed that her only condition for stepping aside would be if the party endorsed Oyebanji. “Any other person, no way,” she said.
Governor Oyebanji also faced the screening panel earlier on Tuesday. Speaking afterward, he expressed satisfaction with the process, describing it as thorough and necessary to strengthen the party.
He pledged loyalty to the APC and assured that he would abide by the outcome of the October 27 primaries. “Democracy thrives on participation. Whoever emerges must be supported, because it is about serving the people,” Oyebanji said.
