Can unity decide an election? In Ekiti State, political drama is brewing beneath the surface, as the 2026 gubernatorial race edges closer. The air is thick with expectation, and if you listen carefully at gatherings from Ado-Ekiti to Odo Oro, you’ll hear the same question on everyone’s lips: Can the ruling APC put its house in order for an explosive return to power? It’s not just politics—it’s personal, it’s local, and it touches the very soul of the community.
Power, Pride, and the Push for Unity in Ekiti State APC
In the vibrant heart of Ekiti, political alliances can make or break ambitions. Dare Owolabi, a prominent APC chieftain and senatorial hopeful from Ekiti North, revealed a stirring call to action: he urged Governor Biodun Oyebanji to go beyond business as usual and actively unite every member of the party—even erstwhile rivals. According to Owolabi, “This is not the season for anyone to go solo—we must carry everybody along, for the progress of our great party.”
His admonition came at a colourful reception at his Odo Oro residence in Ikole Local Government Area, where local leaders and grassroots mobilisers gathered to celebrate an unprecedented consensus: Oyebanji’s emergence as APC’s choice for the upcoming 2026 governorship election. As drums echoed and orators spoke their minds, the weight of expectation hung heavily in the air.
APC’s Consensus Gambit—A Game Changer?
What makes the current APC momentum in Ekiti so special? According to local observers, the party’s ability to reach a consensus for Oyebanji’s candidacy—endorsed by the influential NOWAHALAZONE group—is the shocking truth setting tongues wagging. In a party landscape often peppered with power tussles and ‘egbe-egbe’ politics, this display of unity is nothing short of explosive.
Owolabi was quick to commend the wisdom of the NOWAHALAZONE and the strategic thinking that averted internal wrangling. For many, these consensus-building efforts are evidence that APC is growing past old wounds and embracing the “ekun oko” spirit—where community comes before self, and the good of the party towers above individual ambition.
What’s at Stake: Beyond Winning the Gubernatorial Ticket
Nigerian politics, especially at the state level, isn’t for the faint of heart. The road to any governor’s seat is a battle of wills, and for the people of Ekiti, the stakes have never been higher. Owolabi put it plainly: “APC must win not just by numbers but with unity and conviction.”
He called on party faithful—especially those who had previously eyed the governorship ticket—to set aside grievances, displaying the “omoluabi” manners cherished across Yorubaland. “If we don’t join hands, na who go build this house for us?” asked a party woman from Ilawe-Ekiti with a sparkle in her eyes. Owolabi’s view reflects a strong local sentiment: personal ambitions must take a back seat for collective success.
According to analysts familiar with Southwest politics, this culture of coming together serves not only Ekiti but also as a model for party cohesion across Nigeria. Political scientists from Obafemi Awolowo University have often cited consensus as a catalyst for reducing political violence and costly litigation that can dog party nominations nationwide.
Governor Oyebanji’s Track Record: The Inside Story
What has earned Governor Oyebanji this explosive support? According to Owolabi and many party leaders, his sterling performance—from rural electrification projects to progress in education and health—has taken Ekiti “to a new level.” Locals point to increased youth engagement and improved roads linking farm settlements, moves that have rippled positive sentiments all the way to Abuja.
But not everyone is convinced that consensus is a silver bullet. Some dissenters—speaking on condition of anonymity—warn that smoothing over differences too easily could create hidden bitterness or foster complacency. “Political unity is like egusi soup,” remarked one analyst; “if you neglect some parts, you go chop sand.”
The Local Pulse: Why This Matters for Everyday Ekiti People
For ordinary folks in Ekiti, party decisions mean more than just headlines. They ripple down to the supply of market stalls, school renovation, and the stability that lets palm oil traders or bike riders plan for tomorrow. As one Odo Oro youth leader reportedly told supporters, “When our leaders dey united, hope dey for us too.”
- Party Unity could mean peace at local government offices and less “wahala” over allocations.
- Consensus Candidates may translate to less post-primary violence, a sore point after past elections.
- Continuity in Projects offers hope that ongoing development programs won’t suffer needless disruption.
But party leaders and citizens alike agree: unity must be genuine, not just for show. The 2026 election will put this to the test. Neighbours will watch—sometimes with hope, sometimes with skepticism—to see if the APC can truly keep “all hands on deck.”
Ekiti’s 2026 Elections in the Broader Nigerian Context
Ekiti is not an island. Across Nigeria’s 36 states, the challenge of uniting political factions before elections is a recurring theme. According to a recent report from Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), parties that manage internal consensus are more likely to win at the polls and maintain post-election peace.
The Ekiti scenario serves as a blueprint for other states facing similar hurdles, especially in the South West, where historic party infighting has sometimes resulted in lost opportunities and stalled progress.
Competing Voices and the Road Ahead
Still, every coin has two sides. Some critics argue that while party unity is desirable, it must not silence legitimate dissent. Others remind leaders to prioritize transparency and inclusivity as core values—lest they risk losing touch with the grassroots that provide electoral strength.
It’s clear that Ekiti’s 2026 election will be an inside story worth following—a contest shaped by explosive alliances, local pride, and the everyday struggles of regular people who just want a better tomorrow for their children.
Conclusion: Will Unity Carry the APC to Victory in Ekiti?
As the countdown to 2026 ticks louder, the eyes of the nation—and the hopes of Ekiti—rest on whether true unity will guide the APC’s journey and deliver progress. Will bold consensus and sterling achievements be enough to keep the house standing, or will old cracks appear? In Nigeria, only time will tell—but the conversation starts now.
Are you in Ekiti or following the 2026 political race? Do you believe party unity will shape the outcome, or will hidden divisions rear their head? Share your view below and join the ongoing conversation—your voice matters!
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