Governors serving their first term under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are currently holding a strategic meeting in Kebbi State, in what is seen as a significant political gathering ahead of the 2027 general election.

The meeting, hosted by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, is taking place at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, and has brought together first-term APC governors from across the federation to deliberate on issues affecting the ruling party and national governance.

Among the governors attending the meeting are Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba).

Governors who were unable to attend in person are being represented by their respective deputy governors.

Although the official agenda of the meeting has not been disclosed, sources familiar with the development indicate that discussions are expected to focus on the political direction of the APC, governance priorities, and preparations ahead of the 2027 general election.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of recent developments within the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), the umbrella body of APC governors, which has experienced internal disagreements following the emergence of a rival leadership bloc.

In May, the forum witnessed a leadership dispute after a faction challenged the leadership of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who has maintained that he remains the duly recognized Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum. The opposing group reportedly aligned behind Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Political observers believe the Kebbi meeting provides an opportunity for first-term APC governors to strengthen collaboration, exchange governance experiences, and harmonize positions on key party and national issues as political activities ahead of the next electoral cycle gradually gather momentum.

ADO-EKITI, June 23, 2026 — Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Tuesday officially received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his decisive victory in last Saturday’s governorship election, and pledged to deepen development efforts across the state under his administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda.

The presentation ceremony took place at the INEC State Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, where the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, represented the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joseph Amupitan, in handing over the certificate to the governor-elect.

Speaking during the event, Omoseyindemi congratulated Oyebanji on his re-election and commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.

He noted that the successful conduct of the governorship poll reflected the collective commitment of INEC, security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders to strengthening democratic governance and electoral integrity in the state.

The REC urged political actors to continue promoting democratic values and sustaining the peaceful political atmosphere that characterized the election.

The ceremony attracted a large gathering of APC leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, supporters and other dignitaries who witnessed the formal issuance of the certificate.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebanji expressed profound gratitude to the people of Ekiti State for renewing his mandate, describing the outcome of the election as a victory for democracy, good governance and sustainable development.

The governor said the overwhelming support he received from voters signified public confidence in his administration’s performance and vision for the future of the state.

He described his re-election as a historic achievement, noting that he had become the first governor in Ekiti State’s political history to secure consecutive electoral victories through the ballot.

According to him, the renewed mandate carries a greater responsibility to deliver more impactful governance and improve the welfare of citizens across all sectors.

Oyebanji assured residents that he would not take their trust and confidence for granted, pledging to remain committed to transparent, people-oriented leadership.

The governor also used the occasion to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his support and commitment to democratic principles, stating that the President’s leadership continues to inspire confidence in governance and national development.

He equally acknowledged the contributions of leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, youth groups, women organizations, security agencies and election officials for ensuring the peaceful and successful conduct of the election.

Describing the victory as a renewed call to service, Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies and programmes that promote inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

He pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded during his first term and further expand the state’s Shared Prosperity Agenda through increased investments in critical sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and job creation.

“Our renewed mandate is a call to greater service, greater dedication and greater commitment to the welfare of our people. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every resident of Ekiti benefits from the gains of development and prosperity,” the governor stated.

With the presentation of the Certificate of Return, Oyebanji is now set to begin preparations for his second term in office, with expectations high among residents that his administration will build on existing accomplishments and accelerate the pace of development across the state.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has praised Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, for his exceptional leadership and strategic coordination during the Ekiti State governorship election campaign.

Akpabio during the Tuesday plenary described Bamidele’s role as instrumental in securing the decisive victory of the All Progressives Congress candidate and incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in the just-concluded governorship election.

According to the Senate President, the successful campaign reflected Bamidele’s commitment, political experience, and ability to mobilize support across the state, contributing significantly to the APC’s triumph at the polls.

The commendation comes as party leaders and supporters continue to celebrate Oyebanji’s re-election, which many have described as a strong endorsement of his administration’s developmental agenda and governance record in Ekiti State.