APC chair declares Oyebanji ‘winner’ ahead of Ekiti poll

In a bold declaration that preempts the official vote, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has proclaimed Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji the winner of the upcoming June 20 governorship election. Speaking at the campaign flag-off for Oyebanji's second term bid in Ado Ekiti, Yilwatda asserted that the election is "won ahead of time," signaling strong confidence within the party about Oyebanji's re-election prospects.

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Take a bow because you have won already. The election is won ahead of time. We will win from ward to ward, village to village and local government to local government.

The campaign event itself was a significant show of force, drawing a large contingent of APC governors, including Hope Uzodinma, Uba Sani, and others, alongside former Ekiti governors. This high-profile attendance underscores the party's commitment to securing Oyebanji's victory and consolidating its hold on the state. Uba Sani, who chairs the APC governorship campaign committee, lauded Oyebanji as one of the best-performing governors, framing the election as an opportunity for "consolidation" and "building on foundations."

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This election is about consolidation. It is about building on foundations.

Governor Oyebanji, in his response, pledged to continue his administration's work, emphasizing the progress made and attributing it to the support received from President Bola Tinubu. The narrative presented by the APC leadership positions Oyebanji's re-election as a continuation of effective governance and a vote for President Tinubu's agenda. The early declaration of victory, while unconventional, reflects the party's strategy to build momentum and project an image of unassailable support ahead of the actual election.

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A vote for Oyebanji is a vote for President Bola Tinubu.