By WOLE ADEDOYIN

Mr. Olabode Rufus Alabi, a prominent businessman from Ado Ekiti, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the forthcoming July 20, 2026, governorship election. His emergence was officially declared following a peaceful and transparent primary election conducted by the party on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the APGA State Secretariat in Ado Ekiti. The primary was monitored by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the Commission's National Headquarters.

The APGA primary was conducted in strict compliance with electoral guidelines and internal party procedures. Alabi's candidature was unanimously ratified in the presence of INEC officials, party delegates, and observers after emerging as the sole candidate in the contest. The returning officer, while announcing the results, expressed appreciation to all delegates and stakeholders for their discipline, orderliness, and commitment to democratic ideals, which ensured a credible and violence-free exercise.

In his acceptance speech, Alabi commended the national and zonal leadership of APGA for their dedication to internal democracy and party unity. He particularly acknowledged the guidance and support of the National Chairman, Chief Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, and the South-West Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Suraj Owolabi, for their instrumental roles in the successful conduct of the primaries. He assured party members and supporters that the forthcoming election would mark a defining moment for APGA in Ekiti State.

Mr. Alabi declared that the All Progressives Grand Alliance is fully prepared to challenge the political dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. He described APGA as the only genuine progressive platform committed to the welfare of the masses, good governance, and grassroots development. "Our party will spring a major surprise against the political permutations of both the APC and PDP come July 20," he vowed confidently.

According to Alabi, APGA in Ekiti, with the overwhelming support of the state's electorate, can replicate the success recorded in Anambra State, where the people overwhelmingly re-elected Prof. Charles Soludo as governor based on his impressive performance and the party's pro-people agenda. He maintained that the Ekiti electorate are politically enlightened and ready for a new beginning anchored on inclusiveness and development.

The APGA flagbearer further emphasized that the party's enduring success in Anambra State since 2006 stands as a testament to its philosophy of people-oriented leadership and developmental governance. He highlighted that under APGA-led administrations, Anambra has witnessed remarkable infrastructural expansion, human capital development, and grassroots empowerment?achievements he pledged to replicate in Ekiti State if elected governor.

Alabi extended heartfelt gratitude to the national leadership for their unwavering support and to the delegates who entrusted him with the party's governorship ticket. He promised to run an inclusive and issue-based campaign that would present a credible alternative to the people of Ekiti State. "If given the opportunity to serve, we will not fail the people. We will govern with sincerity, transparency, and accountability," he assured.

Concluding his remarks, Alabi reaffirmed his commitment to harnessing the God-given resources of the state for the benefit of all citizens, pledging that his administration would ensure every Ekiti citizen enjoys the dividends of democracy and the blessings of God.

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