Southwest APC mobilizes backing for Oyebanji, Oyebamiji in upcoming Ekiti, Osun governorship elections

Confidence in the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, was expressed by the newly elected Southwest Zonal Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress on Wednesday, citing his performance as a unifying force within the party and beyond.

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According to APC Southwest Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, Oyebanji's performance has redefined governance at the subnational level, positioning his victory in the June 20 Ekiti governorship election as a blueprint for the August 15 Osun governorship and the 2027 presidential elections.

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This assertion was made in a statement by Yinka Oyebode, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Oyebanji, which was made available in Ado Ekiti.

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In his acceptance speech in Lagos, Kekemeke also advocated for overwhelming votes for President Bola Tinubu in the Southwest in the 2027 presidential election, shortly after his emergence as the party's Southwest Zonal Chairman.

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Kekemeke further called for massive support for the party's candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, urging voters to align with the APC's progressive vision to unlock opportunities for growth and stability.

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The APC Zonal Chairman emphasized the need for Governor Biodun Oyebanji to return to office by June and for Oyebamiji to be elected in Osun State by August, stating that these outcomes are crucial challenges that must be addressed.

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Kekemeke quoted himself as saying, "The immediate challenge that we have is that by June, Governor Biodun Oyebanji must return and by August, Oyebamiji must be there in Osun State.

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He also stated, "Our duty as Southwest is to make sure that we give overwhelming victory and support to our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu."

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Kekemeke assured the governors and delegates that the executive council would perform better than before, consulting with leaders and the National Assembly, and doing better than in the past four years, while seeking their support and cooperation.

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The APC, according to Kekemeke, remains guided by a well-defined ideological framework focused on development, economic inclusion, and national cohesion.

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Lagos State Governor and Southwest Coordinating APC Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the election of the new executives as free, fair, credible, and rancour-free, noting that the party adhered to the recent reforms in Nigeria's electoral framework, particularly the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act.

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Sanwo-Olu explained that this adherence was intended to enhance credibility and accountability in both internal party processes and the general elections.

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He urged the newly elected zonal executives to adopt a forward-looking approach in their leadership, emphasizing the importance of unity and strategic planning in strengthening the party's dominance in the region.