Ekiti 2026: APM Governorship Candidate Withdraws, Declares Support for Oyebanji
Ekiti 2026: APM Governorship Candidate Withdraws, Declares Support for Oyebanji
The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ekiti State, Chief Joseph Anifowose, has withdrawn from the 2026 governorship race and declared his support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
Anifowose announced his decision during a political rally in Igede Ekiti, headquarters of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, where he formally stepped down from the contest ahead of the upcoming election.
He said his decision was influenced by Governor Oyebanji’s performance in office, particularly in infrastructure development, governance style, and efforts to promote unity among political stakeholders across the state. According to him, continuity of the current administration would further accelerate development in Ekiti State.
The former APM candidate also called on his supporters across all 16 local government areas of the state to mobilize in support of Governor Oyebanji’s second-term ambition, stressing the need for sustained progress and stability.
Governor Oyebanji, speaking at the event, expressed appreciation for the endorsement and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure projects and socio-economic development across the state. He also highlighted federal support for Ekiti through key appointments secured under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Political observers say the withdrawal of the APM candidate and his endorsement of Oyebanji could further strengthen the governor’s political base ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
