Ahead of the Ekiti state governorship election coming up on June 20, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has set a target of about 500,000 votes for its candidate and incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji over his closest rival in the exercise.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the APC Governorship National Campaign Council for Ekiti state, Chairman of the Committee and governor of Kaduna, Sen. Uba Sani, boasted that the APC candidate who won the 2022 governorship election by defeating his closest rival with over 104,000 votes will even more than double that margin in 2026.
According to Governor Sani, the margin of victory signifies a clear mandate from the people of Ekiti, whom he said have embraced the transformative vision of the APC.
“Our goal for the upcoming election is ambitious yet achievable. We are targeting an increase of over 100 per cent in the number of votes for Governor Oyebanji, and a margin of no less than 500,000 votes over his closest rival. This is not just a numerical target.
“It symbolizes our commitment to ensuring that the voice of the people is amplified and their trust in good governance is rewarded. I am pleased to announce that we have established effective campaign structures across all 16 local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti State. This grassroots engagement is foundational to our strategy, ensuring that every citizen is reached, heard, and mobilized for this crucial election.
“Our campaign will not merely be a series of rallies; it will be a movement that resonates with the aspirations of the people. The path ahead is made lighter by the progressive reforms of our former Chairman.”
The Chairman of the National Campaign Council while calling on members of his team to march forward with courage, determination, and unity, added that Governor Oyebanji’s expected victory will further demonstrate the unique support he enjoys from all former governors of the state.
“I believe that the 500,000 votes we are targeting will certainly be achieved. As I said, it is a referendum, and I know in my mind that all the former governors here can testify to the fact that our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has done enough for all the governors, and we will repay him with 500,000 votes in Ekiti State.
“I am pleased to say that here, the former governor of Ekiti State, who was the first democratic governor, is also here with us. Thank you very much. His leadership style, characterized by humility, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to the welfare of the people of Ekiti State, is commendable.
“It is a real phenomenon in politics and speaks to the trust and respect he has gathered across the political spectrum in Ekiti State. Our campaign will also focus on engaging and mobilizing the youth and women, two vital demographics essential for shaping the future of Ekiti State. Their voices will be heard, their concerns addressed, and their aspirations prioritized in our governance agenda.”
Earlier speaking during the inauguration, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said he’s confident that Ekiti state will remain under APC even beyond 2027.
He also bragged about the strength of the APC over the opposition parties who cumulatively have only five governors and a handful of members of the National Assembly, who were yet to defect to the ruling party.
Yilwatda said: “Governor Oyebanji, we celebrate you and we thank God for giving you to the people of Ekiti and to our party as well. And today, we present you to the people of Ekiti for the second time. As a party, we are not ashamed.
“We are proud that we have you. We are happy. You are one of the best candidates for this election.
“People have no option in this election. You seem to be the only candidate for this election. No political party can match this array of people. We have governors from all sections of the country”, he concluded.
