The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described Governor Biodun Oyebanji's resounding re-election in Ekiti State and the party's strong performance in recent bye-elections as a clear vote of confidence in the APC and President Bola Tinubu's administration .
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the election outcomes demonstrate that Nigerians can distinguish between temporary economic challenges and the long-term benefits of responsible governance and economic restructuring being championed by the APC .
Overwhelming Victory for APC
Governor Oyebanji secured a landslide victory in the Ekiti governorship election, polling 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, the PDP's Dr Wole Oluyede, who scored 40,543 votes. ADC candidate Ambassador Dare Bejide came third with 12,872 votes .
Beyond Ekiti, the APC recorded victories in five of the six bye-elections conducted across the country, with wins in Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo, Kano, and Kebbi states. The only seat the party lost was the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, which went to the PDP .
Performance-Based Governance Rewarded
Speaking on the Ekiti result, Yilwatda emphasised that the people of Ekiti have demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics .
"Governor Biodun Oyebanji's resounding re-election is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across the state," the APC chairman said .
He described Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing sustained investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital advancement, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers' welfare, and ease of doing business .
A National Reference Point
Yilwatda noted that the Ekiti election has become a national reference point, confirming that when governments deliver tangible results in critical sectors, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support .
"This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress," he added .
Governor Oyebanji's Response
Reacting to his re-election, Governor Oyebanji described the outcome as "an unprecedented electoral outcome" in Ekiti and Nigeria, noting that the election was conducted without a single incident of violence—a departure from previous electoral cycles .
"You have spoken loudly and unequivocally, and I have heard you clearly! You have spoken, not in muffled voices, but in a thunderous yea," the governor said, adding that he had called his opponents to congratulate them and promised to visit them personally .
Reform Agenda Gains Public Acceptance
Yilwatda further linked the election successes to President Tinubu's reform agenda, stating that the administration is laying the groundwork 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," Yilwatda stated .
By-Election Results Breakdown
The APC's victories in the bye-elections included:
· Enugu North Senatorial District: APC's Ikeje Asogwa won decisively with 162,360 votes
· Ondo South Senatorial District: Prof. Dayo Faduyile polled 68,474 votes
· Nasarawa North Senatorial District: APC's Danladi Envulu-Anza secured 45,362 votes
· Kano's Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency: Rabiu Shuaibu polled 35,356 votes
· Kebbi's Zuru State Constituency: Rabiu Garba Aiki won with 4,887 votes
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State described the bye-election as a useful test ahead of the 2027 general elections .
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