In a move signaling harmony ahead of the 2026 local council elections in Ekiti State, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Irede Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for championing the consensus candidate approach.
The initiative, they say, promotes peace and respects established political zoning formulas within the community.
This development unfolded during a well-attended stakeholder meeting at Ipoti Ekiti, the LCDA headquarters, where party stakeholders gathered to endorse a unified candidate.
The meeting drew a diverse crowd, including LCDA Chairman Hon. Ayo Awe, state commissioners, prominent party figures such as Yinka Adumati, Hon. Akande, Chief Esan, and Supo Ajayi, alongside members of the governor’s Consensus Committee, security agents, media representatives, and observers.
Convened to receive reports from the area’s three wards and the LCDA, the session proceeded peacefully, reflecting the disciplined approach advocated by state party leadership.
Attendees highlighted how the governor’s directive ensured transparency and broad participation, avoiding the acrimony often associated with primaries.
Emerging as the consensus chairmanship candidate was Mr. Asekun Sunday, popularly known as Papa, from Ward B in Ipoti. This selection aligned perfectly with the zoning formula unanimously adopted in Irede LCDA, as directed by APC leaders at the state level.
The choice of Papa underscores the party’s commitment to equitable rotation of leadership roles, fostering inclusivity across wards and strengthening grassroots unity.
The chairman of the Consensus Committee, who doubles as a state commissioner, congratulated Papa on his emergence and praised the APC leadership in Irede LCDA—especially in Ward B—for their exemplary conduct and peaceful disposition.
He endorsed the decision wholeheartedly, noting that it exemplified mature political engagement. Security presence and observer groups further validated the process’s integrity, with no reports of discord.
APC leaders in Irede LCDA expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oyebanji, fondly referred to as BAO, and state party executives for introducing the consensus model.
They described it as a “great initiative” that has cultivated peace, recognized local leadership, and streamlined political processes in the community.
This approach, they argued, positions the party strongly for the polls while minimizing internal conflicts.
The LCDA spokesperson captured the sentiment, stating, “This event marks a significant achievement for the BAO-led government and underscores the seriousness of BAO’s intentions.
It is evident that the party is re-establishing its leadership in the state.” As preparations intensify for the 2026 council elections, Irede’s seamless consensus process serves as a model for other areas in Ekiti, potentially influencing the broader electoral landscape.
