The ruling All Progressives Congress has unveiled an ambitious electoral target ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, declaring its intention to secure a victory margin of no less than 500,000 votes for Governor Biodun Oyebanji over his closest challenger.
The declaration was made on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the APC Governorship National Campaign Council for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in the popularity of Governor Oyebanji and the APC’s electoral strength in Ekiti, insisting that the party is determined to build upon its previous success and record a significantly larger victory in the upcoming poll.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Chairman of the National Campaign Council and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, recalled the outcome of the 2022 governorship election in Ekiti, where Oyebanji secured a decisive victory.
According to Sani, Oyebanji won his first term with 187,557 votes and defeated his nearest rival by a margin of more than 104,000 votes, a performance he described as a strong endorsement of the APC’s leadership and vision for the state.
The Kaduna governor said the party is not only seeking another victory but is aiming to surpass its previous achievements by a substantial margin.
“We are targeting an increase of over 100 per cent in the number of votes for Governor Oyebanji, and a margin of no less than 500,000 votes over his closest rival,” Sani declared.
The statement drew applause from party members and campaign officials who attended the inauguration, as the APC formally launched preparations for what it described as a crucial election for the party’s continued dominance in the South-West region.
Sani said the APC remains confident that the governor’s performance in office has earned him the trust and support of the people of Ekiti State.
According to him, the administration’s achievements in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and economic development have strengthened the governor’s standing among voters.
He noted that the campaign council would work closely with party stakeholders, grassroots leaders, and supporters across the state to ensure a successful outing at the polls.
The APC campaign council chairman further stated that the election would provide an opportunity for the people of Ekiti to reaffirm their support for the governor and the party’s developmental agenda.
Party officials at the event argued that Oyebanji’s administration has demonstrated commitment to inclusive governance and continuity of development initiatives initiated by previous administrations in the state.
They maintained that the governor’s leadership style has fostered political stability and strengthened cooperation among various stakeholders, contributing to progress across different sectors.
The inauguration of the campaign council marks the beginning of intensified political activities ahead of the June 20 governorship election, with parties expected to increase mobilisation efforts and voter engagement across the state.
Political observers note that the APC’s target of a 500,000-vote margin represents one of the most ambitious electoral goals announced in recent state elections.
Analysts say achieving such a margin would require an unprecedented level of voter support and turnout, particularly considering the voting patterns and electoral statistics from previous governorship contests in the state.
Nevertheless, APC leaders insist that the target reflects their confidence in the governor’s popularity and the strength of the party’s grassroots structure.
Supporters of the ruling party believe that ongoing developmental projects and government programmes have positioned Oyebanji favourably ahead of the election.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are also intensifying their campaigns and presenting their own visions for the future of the state, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched electoral contest.
The June 20 governorship election is expected to attract significant attention from political stakeholders, election observers, and citizens eager to determine the next phase of leadership in Ekiti State.
As campaigns gather momentum, the APC’s declaration has added another layer of intrigue to the race, with party leaders expressing optimism that voters will once again deliver a resounding mandate for Governor Oyebanji.
For the ruling party, the objective is clear: not merely to retain power, but to secure a victory so overwhelming that it would reinforce the APC’s dominance in the state and serve as a powerful statement ahead of future political contests.
Whether the ambitious target of a 500,000-vote margin will be achieved remains to be seen, but the declaration has undoubtedly signalled the APC’s determination to approach the election with confidence and high expectations.
