APC has number, strength to win any election – Yilwatda
Yilwatda
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election as well as the 2027 presidential election.
Yilwatda made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja while inaugurating the APC National Campaign Council for the Ekiti governorship election scheduled to hold on June 20.
During the event, he formally presented the party’s flag to the incumbent governor and APC candidate, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, who is seeking re-election for a second term.
The APC chairman commended Oyebanji’s performance in office, citing achievements in infrastructure development, social welfare programmes, educational scholarships, and healthcare initiatives across the state.
According to him, the governor has not only connected communities through road projects but has also won the hearts of the people through impactful leadership.
“We celebrate your achievements and appreciate God for giving you to the people of Ekiti and our great party. Today, we proudly present you to the people for another term in office. We are delighted to have you as our candidate,” Yilwatda said.
He further described Oyebanji as one of the strongest contenders in the race, noting that his performance has positioned him favourably among the electorate.
Speaking on the strength of the APC, Yilwatda stated that the ruling party remains unmatched in terms of membership, leadership capacity, and political influence.
“The APC possesses the structure, experience, and determination required to win elections across the country,” he said.
He also dismissed concerns about campaign funding, stressing that the party has the resources, manpower, and support base needed to finance and execute successful campaigns.
Yilwatda noted that the Ekiti campaign council was designed to be inclusive, bringing together experienced leaders, grassroots mobilisers, and stakeholders capable of contributing to the party’s success.
President of the Senate and Co-Chairman of the campaign council, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, expressed appreciation to the party leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Akpabio urged APC aspirants preparing for elective positions in the 2027 general elections to accept the outcome of party primaries in good faith and remain committed to the party’s collective interest.
He congratulated prospective candidates who would eventually emerge victorious and advised those who might not secure tickets to take the process in stride.
The Senate President assured that the National Assembly would support and endorse the list of successful candidates once officially released by the party.
“When the party reaches a decision, we will stand behind it. May God grant us victory in the elections and uphold justice in all our affairs,” he said.
Chairman of the campaign council and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, described the council’s mission as ambitious but attainable, emphasizing its commitment to amplifying the voices of Ekiti people and rewarding their trust in good governance.
Sani disclosed that the council had established effective campaign structures across all 16 local government areas and the 177 wards in the state to ensure comprehensive grassroots engagement.
He explained that community-level mobilisation would remain central to the campaign strategy, ensuring that every resident is reached, heard, and encouraged to participate in the electoral process.
“Our campaign will go beyond political rallies. It will evolve into a movement that reflects and advances the aspirations of the people of Ekiti,” he said.
The Kaduna governor praised Oyebanji’s leadership style, describing him as a humble and compassionate leader dedicated to the welfare and development of the people.
He added that special attention would be given to engaging young people and women, whom he described as critical stakeholders in the state’s future development.
“The voices of our youths and women will be prioritised, their concerns addressed, and their aspirations reflected in our governance agenda.
“We are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to contribute to building a better and more prosperous Ekiti State,” Sani stated.
He stressed that the election was not only about securing another term for the governor but also about sustaining the developmental strides already achieved under the APC administration.
Sani called on members of the campaign council to remain dedicated to mobilisation efforts and advocacy for the party’s vision.
“With unity, determination, and hard work, we will secure a resounding victory for Governor Oyebanji and the APC in the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election,” he said.