Ekiti poll offers strategic lessons for parties ahead of 2027 – APC chieftain

By Jude Opara

A leading figure in the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congres (APC), Seye Oladejo, has described the outcome of the Ekiti State governorship election as an important political lesson for parties and candidates preparing for the 2027 general elections.
According to Oladejo, the election underscored the enduring importance of grassroots mobilization, voter engagement and effective political structures, warning politicians against overestimating the electoral value of online popularity.
In a statement titled “Ekiti 2026: When the PVC Defeated Social Media Hype,” he argued that political success is ultimately determined by voters who turn out at polling units rather than by trends generated on social media platforms.
He noted that while digital platforms have become valuable tools for political communication, public engagement and message dissemination, they cannot replace the hard work of building support among voters at the community level.
Oladejo said the Ekiti election demonstrated that Nigerian voters are increasingly making independent choices based on factors such as competence, credibility, performance records and the perceived ability of candidates to address public concerns.
The APC chieftain also stressed that political organizations must continue investing in direct voter contact, stakeholder engagement and local party structures if they hope to achieve electoral success.
According to him, the significance of the Ekiti experience extends beyond the state and should be carefully studied by political actors ahead of future contests, including upcoming off-cycle elections and the 2027 general polls.
He warned against equating online enthusiasm with actual voting strength, maintaining that social media campaigns can shape narratives but cannot substitute for voter registration, PVC ownership and active participation in the electoral process.
Oladejo concluded that the election served as a reminder that democratic power ultimately rests with citizens who cast ballots, not merely those who dominate online conversations, and urged political parties to focus on earning public trust through sustained engagement and credible programmes.