APC Chairman, Yilwatda, Hails Sweeping Victories In Ekiti, Bye-Elections Nationwide
By Sunday Etuka
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared the reelection of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and victories in five of six weekend bye-elections as sweeping endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.
The party framed the results as proof that voters are willing to look past short-term hardship for the promise of long-term gains.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the outcomes demonstrated that Nigerian voters “are able to distinguish between temporary economic challenges associated with reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance.”
Governor Oyebanji secured a commanding reelection victory across the state, his second consecutive mandate under the APC. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner of the election after polling 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 40,543 votes.
“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics,” Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said in the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki.
The Ekiti governorship result comes alongside the party’s reported dominance in five of six bye-elections held across various states of the federation.
The APC National Chairman pointed to road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity and workers’ welfare as evidence of a governance record that earned the governor renewed public confidence.
“The Ekiti election has become a national reference point. It confirms that when governments deliver tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support.”
He said the administration has successfully built broad-based political consensus while maintaining a strong focus on development outcomes, thereby creating an environment of stability and accelerated progress.
“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes. The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance.”
Prof. Yilwatda further stated that the election outcomes should be viewed within the broader national context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is gradually laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.
“Despite inheriting deep structural challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courage and vision in implementing reforms that are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. The confidence reposed in our party by voters across the country indicates growing public understanding and appreciation of these reforms and their future benefits.”
“These victories are therefore not only electoral successes; they are validations of a governing philosophy anchored on bold leadership, responsible decision-making and sustainable development.”
The National Chairman congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, APC leaders and members in Ekiti State and across the federation, as well as all candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the election.
Prof. Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC would remain focused on delivering good governance at all levels and deepening democratic dividends for citizens across the country.
