The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday declared that the party was fully prepared to “conquer Ekiti” ahead of the June 20 governorship election, expressing confidence that Governor Biodun Oyebanji would secure a massive re-election victory.
Speaking at the inauguration of the APC National Campaign Council at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Yilwatda said the ruling party had assembled its strongest political forces from across the country to ensure victory at the polls.
“We have the numbers. We have the strength. We are prepared. These are real soldiers. Stand before me and prepare to conquer,” he declared to loud applause from party faithful and supporters.
The APC chief who recently toured projects in Ekiti State, praised Oyebanji’s administration for what he described as remarkable achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, social protection and rural connectivity.
“I was an eyewitness to what the governor is doing. You have built roads, provided social protection, scholarships and health support systems for the people. You are not only connecting roads, you are connecting hearts across Ekiti State,” Yilwatda said.
He added that the party was proud to present Oyebanji to the people for a second term, describing him as one of the APC’s best-performing governors.
“As a party, we are not ashamed. We are proud that we have you. You are one of the best candidates in this election. People seem to have no option. Informally, I can already say congratulations in advance,” he said.
Yilwatda challenged opposition parties to match the calibre of political leaders assembled by the APC, noting that governors, senators, ministers and party leaders from every geopolitical zone were represented in the campaign council.
“I challenge any candidate to present even one governor behind him while campaigning. The entire country is seated here. Funding will not be a problem. We have the structure, we have the people and we have the capacity to mobilise victory,” he added.
Chairman of the campaign council and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, said the APC was not merely targeting victory but aiming for a historic electoral margin.
According to him, the party had already established campaign structures across all 16 local government areas and 177 wards in the state, with a strong focus on mobilising women and youths.
“Our goal is ambitious yet achievable. We are targeting an increase of over 100 per cent in the votes secured by Governor Oyebanji in 2022 and a margin of no less than 500,000 votes over his closest rival,” Sani said.
He described Oyebanji’s leadership style as a rare political phenomenon, citing the unprecedented support the governor enjoys from all living former governors of Ekiti State.
“Governor Oyebanji’s leadership is defined by humility, inclusivity and commitment to the welfare of the people. The support he enjoys across political divides speaks volumes about his performance and character,” he said.
The Kaduna governor also linked the election to the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the poll would provide an opportunity for Ekiti people to appreciate both the governor and the president for policies aimed at strengthening states and improving governance.
Co-chairman of the campaign council and Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Oyebanji as one of the most humble and accommodating governors in the country.
Akpabio commended the governor for fostering unity among political leaders in the state, noting that the presence of former governors at the event reflected widespread confidence in his administration.
“It is not easy for a campaign council inauguration to attract this calibre of personalities. We are all here because we are loyal to our party and because we believe in the leadership being provided in Ekiti State,” he said.
Responding, Oyebanji expressed confidence that the people of Ekiti would renew his mandate based on the achievements of his administration over the last three years.
“Over the last three years, we have ensured that our social contract with the people of Ekiti is achieved. We have no doubt that the people will appreciate us by voting for us again,” the governor said, insisting that the APC had no fears about the outcome of the election.
“The challenge in Ekiti is not about winning. It is about the numbers. June 20 will be a day to celebrate and appreciate President Tinubu,” Oyebanji declared.
The governor disclosed that more than 10,000 canvassers had already been deployed across the state to mobilise voters. “As far as June 20 is concerned in Ekiti State, there is nothing to fear,” he added.
The event drew an impressive array of APC leaders, including Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun; Governors Hope Uzodimma, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Umar Namadi, Inuwa Yahaya and Monday Okpebholo, alongside ministers, lawmakers and members of the APC National Working Committee.
