Yilwatda describes Gov. Oyebanji as the only Candidate in Ekiti State… Targets 500,000-Vote Margin
Njideka Ozoalor
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday inaugurated the party’s National Campaign Council for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, expressing confidence that Governor Biodun Oyebanji would secure a landslide re-election victory.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Yilwatda described Oyebanji as the clear frontrunner in the race, praising his administration’s performance in infrastructure development, social welfare programmes, education, and healthcare delivery.
According to the APC chairman, a recent inspection tour of the state convinced him that the governor had earned the trust and support of the people through impactful governance.
“Your Excellency, you have done very well in terms of infrastructure. You have built roads, you are providing social protection, scholarships, and health support systems for your people. You are connecting roads and connecting hearts across the state,” Yilwatda said.
He described Oyebanji as a valuable asset to both Ekiti State and the APC, insisting that the party was proud to present him to voters for a second term.
“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. You are one of the best candidates for this election,” he stated.
In a show of confidence, Yilwatda declared that the opposition posed no serious challenge to the incumbent governor.
“The other people have no option in this election. You are the only candidate for this election. I can say it informally: congratulations in advance,” he added.
The APC chairman also highlighted the political strength behind the governor’s campaign, noting that the council comprises governors and party leaders from across the country, including the Senate President and key stakeholders from all geopolitical zones.
“No other political party can match this array of people. I challenge any candidate to present even one governor behind him while campaigning. We have the numbers. We have the strength. We are prepared,” he said.
Yilwatda assured party members that resources and mobilisation would not be a challenge, stressing that the campaign council had the capacity to raise funds and coordinate grassroots mobilisation across the state.
Following the formal inauguration of the committee, he declared the APC fully prepared for the election and confident of victory.
Earlier, the Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Governor of Kaduna State unveiled an ambitious electoral target for the party, saying the APC was aiming to secure a minimum victory margin of 500,000 votes for Governor Oyebanji.
Recalling the governor’s 2022 election victory, in which he polled 187,557 votes and defeated his closest rival by more than 104,000 votes, the council chairman said the party intended to significantly improve on that performance.
“Our goal for the upcoming election is ambitious yet achievable. We are targeting an increase of over 100 per cent in votes for Governor Oyebanji, and a margin of no less than 500,000 votes over his closest rival. This symbolizes our commitment to amplify the voice of the people,” he said.
He disclosed that campaign structures had already been established across all 16 local government areas and 177 wards in the state to ensure effective voter engagement and mobilisation.
“This grassroots engagement is foundational to our strategy, ensuring that every citizen is reached, heard, and mobilized,” he said.
The governor attributed the party’s confidence to what he described as the positive impact of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, which he said were strengthening governance and development across the country.
He also pointed to the broad political support enjoyed by Oyebanji, noting that all living former governors of Ekiti State, including the state’s first democratic governor, had thrown their weight behind the incumbent.
Describing Oyebanji as humble, inclusive and people-oriented, he said the governor’s leadership style had earned him widespread acceptance across political divides.
The council chairman further pledged that youth and women would play a central role in the campaign.
“Their voices will be heard, their concerns addressed, and their aspirations prioritized in our governance agenda,” he said.
He concluded by commending Oyebanji’s achievements in healthcare and other sectors, citing support from lawmakers and stakeholders to strengthen medical services in the state.
“With unity and courage, we will achieve an extraordinary victory for Governor Oyebanji and the APC,” he declared.
