Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has said the emergence of Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election has saved the party and the state from incurring enormous costs that could now be channelled toward development.

Ododo, who chaired the just-concluded APC Governorship Primary Committee for Ekiti State, stated this on Wednesday shortly after submitting the committee’s report to the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Professor Nentawe Yilwatda at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

He expressed satisfaction with the decision of APC stakeholders in the state to adopt the consensus mode in selecting Oyebanji, who will be seeking re-election on June 20 next year, describing the process as peaceful, transparent, and innovative.

“History has been made in Ekiti State and in Nigeria. For the first time, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC has successfully adopted the consensus mode of primary election in the state,” Ododo said.

He praised President Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, for their leadership and commitment to internal democracy, which, according to him, created a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the primary.

“Mr. President has brought innovation to our party. I know every other political party will copy this template so that we can all move forward. With this consensus model, there will be no litigation, no crisis, no destruction, and no waste of resources,” he stated.

The Kogi governor said the adoption of the consensus method under Tinubu’s leadership marks a turning point in Nigeria’s political history, stressing that the new approach would strengthen party unity and governance outcomes.

Ododo described President Tinubu as a visionary leader whose policies are already yielding tangible results across the country.

“What we are celebrating today is the handiwork of Mr. President. His love for peace and progress has brought this innovation. The entire nation is with him, we are praying for him, and of course, we will deliver for him 100 per cent,” he added.

Ododo commended Governor Oyebanji for his humility and leadership qualities, noting that the unity displayed by APC members in Ekiti State would serve as a model for other chapters across the federation.

On his part, Oyebanji extended a hand of fellowship to his main challenger before the primary, Kayode Ojo, urging him and other aspirants to close ranks and work with him to ensure the APC’s victory in the 2026 governorship election and to strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential polls.