Ekiti 2026: APC Launches 500K Vote Push for Oyebanji's Re-Election

Samuel Ogidan

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has introduced an ambitious election strategy designed to achieve a significant lead of 500,000 votes for the return of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, amid growing political activity throughout the region before the upcoming gubernatorial race.

The approach, characterized by party officials as broad yet organized, was officially highlighted in Abuja on Wednesday during the launch of the campaign committee for the gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, where leading members of the governing party gathered to establish the direction they claim will mark a crucial contest.

During the gathering, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the importance of the party's internal procedures, highlighting that commitment and adherence to rules are key factors in maintaining the APC's solidarity and voting power. He called on supporters to accept the results from party elections and steer clear of behaviors that could threaten harmony.

He said: "If anyone loses the election at the local level, don't anticipate me, as Head of the National Assembly, to go and beg you. That merely indicates the individual has suffered defeat,"

Sticking firmly to internal party rules, Akpabio also advocated for greater openness in forming campaign teams, emphasizing that key players, especially legislators, must not be excluded from important decisions. He warned that unresolved conflicts within the party might undermine its chances of success at the polls if left unaddressed.

He also extended his congratulations to those who won in the primary elections and urged supporters of the party to enhance their involvement at the local level as efforts increase for the 2027 election season and onward.

Boosting the campaign efforts, the Governor of Kaduna State expressed high assurance regarding the APC's chances of victory in Ekiti, praising Governor Oyebanji's work and viewing the coming election as an opportunity to strengthen the party's control over the state.

He revealed that the party has established an aggressive objective of doubling its prior election outcomes, aiming for at least a 500,000-vote lead over rival candidates.

As per his statement, the APC has already established strong campaign frameworks throughout all 16 local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti State, aimed at achieving extensive reach at the community level and unified activation.

"This goes beyond a mere campaign; it represents a movement embodying the hopes of the populace," he stated, noting that initiatives introduced during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership—Bola Ahmed Tinubu—have enhanced governmental effectiveness throughout various regions and boosted administrative cooperation within local authorities.

He also highlighted what he called an uncommon degree of political consensus between current and past leaders from Ekiti State, suggesting that the widespread backing for Oyebanji indicates a common conviction regarding consistency and stable leadership. He commended the governor's achievements in building infrastructure, expanding health services, advancing educational programs, and promoting opportunities for young people, portraying the administration as open-minded and focused on results.

Generally, leaders of the APC expressed assurance that internal cohesion within the party, along with its local organization and track record in administration, would lead to a clear victory in Ekiti State.

They jointly portrayed the upcoming election as a vote on how well government has performed and the level of public confidence, calling for increased efforts to organize supporters and maintain continuous interaction with voters across every tier.

The advisory committee was officially launched with new promises of unity within the group, tactical cooperation, and a single political stance intended to secure what top party officials claim will be a strong endorsement for Governor Oyebanji.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Adebayo Warns: Nigeria's Crisis Lies in Governance, Not Leadership Duration

Leader of the Social Democratic Party and candidate for president, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has rejected the increasing discussion about plans for a single six-year term as an unnecessary focus away from Nigeria's more significant issues related to governance and democracy. He emphasized that election integrity, economic skills, and reforms in security must be central topics in the country's conversation before 2027.

Recently, during an interview, Adebayo stated that the nation's true issue is not how long leaders stay in power, but whether elections truly represent the desires of the electorate.

He stated that Nigeria needs to address what he referred to as the ongoing issue of election integrity and work towards restoring public trust in democratic systems.

"The problem isn't about how long leaders stay in power, either four or six years. The real question is whether the system functions properly and if citizens truly choose those who lead," he stated.

Referring to the method used for commemorating June 12, Adebayo advocated for what he described as the ultimate victory over election fraud, emphasizing that political rivalry should focus on concepts and capability instead of conflicts within parties or issues related to identity.

Commenting on issues related to internal changes inside the SDP and rumors about opposing factions within the group, Adebayo minimized worries and emphasized that the party continues to concentrate on offering a different national perspective.

He stated that his objective was to offer Nigerians what he referred to as a constitutionally grounded and policy-driven option centered on economic revival, security improvements, and social well-being.

Adebayo claimed that focus in past elections moved away from discussions about policies and instead centered more on identity issues, which he stated hindered voters from examining the effects of governmental plans.

Regarding his party's chances in the election, the SDP leader dismissed claims that the party continues to be politically insignificant, stating that rising public frustration has led to greater interest in different options.

He stated that the nation's present political environment promotes financial influence and undermines campaign efforts centered around specific issues, whereas parties that enforce tighter internal rules frequently encounter challenges.

He argued that his political group opposes buying votes, using ethnicity for mobilization, and relying on religious rhetoric, portraying moral politics as essential for long-term leadership.

His statement was: 'We believe that sound politics is the sole path to effective governance, and strong governance is the only long-term answer to Nigeria's challenges.'

Regarding the economy, Adebayo reiterated his critique of the elimination of fuel subsidies, contending that governmental policies overlooked broader economic impacts.

Although emphasizing that he wouldn't merely reinstate the previous subsidy system, he noted that the choice to eliminate it was made without tackling underlying problems within local refining capabilities and distribution networks.

He suggested a step-by-step plan focused on restoring Nigeria's oil refining facilities, enhancing public transportation networks, and decreasing reliance on gasoline for people with lower incomes.

He stated that fuel pricing carries wide-ranging effects since it influences production expenses, inflation, and family well-being at the same time.

In terms of security, Adebayo expressed some of his most severe critiques so far regarding the government's approach to instability, contending that Nigeria has adequate organizational capability to overcome armed factions provided that intelligence gathering and police work are effectively synchronized.

He attributed frequent abductions and instability to inadequate enforcement, low priority allocation, and what he referred to as a highly centralised security system.

He maintained that criminal organizations must not be engaged in negotiations and dismissed any chance of reaching an agreement with armed individuals.

"No terrorist or abductor has the power to surpass the Nigerian government. The question remains whether the administration decides to take action," he stated.

Adebayo also supported changes in police practices, urging more autonomy for law enforcement agencies and less involvement from politics.

He contended that cybersecurity experts ought to function according to intelligence assessments and constitutional duties instead of following political instructions.

In response to claims that opposition figures frequently downplay the challenges of running a government, Adebayo argued that discussing policies is an essential part of effective leadership.

Speech is not inexpensive," he stated. "Mindless conversation is free. Genuine policies demand thought, information, and an awareness of how governance functions.

As discussions about politics in 2027 start gaining traction, Adebayo stated that his campaign will remain centered on constitutional governance, economic reform, election fairness, and public security as the key issues facing Nigeria.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).