The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the party’s landslide victory in the Ekiti State governorship election and its dominance in recent bye-elections across the country are clear indications that Nigerians continue to place their trust in the APC and the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Yilwatda stated that the election outcomes demonstrate that voters are beginning to appreciate the long-term benefits of the economic and governance reforms being implemented by the APC-led administration despite current economic challenges.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC National Chairman described the victories as a strong endorsement of the party’s governance philosophy and commitment to national development.
According to him, the overwhelming victory recorded by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti governorship election, alongside the party’s success in five of the six bye-elections conducted nationwide, reflects growing public confidence in the APC’s leadership at both the federal and state levels.
“The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy,” Yilwatda said.
He noted that Nigerians are able to distinguish between temporary economic difficulties associated with reforms and the long-term gains of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal.
The APC chairman said Governor Oyebanji’s re-election was a reward for what he described as visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent resource management and visible developmental achievements across Ekiti State.
“The people of Ekiti State have once again 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,” he stated.
Yilwatda described the Ekiti election as a national reference point, arguing that it has reinforced the belief that performance-based governance remains electorally rewarding even during periods of economic transition.
He said the election outcome showed that citizens respond positively when governments deliver tangible results in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development.
“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 APC chairman further stressed that the result sends a clear message that governance, rather than political propaganda, remains the surest path to electoral legitimacy.
He described Ekiti under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital development, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.
According to him, the governor has also succeeded in building broad political consensus while maintaining a development-focused administration that has fostered stability and accelerated progress across the state.
“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,” he added.
Yilwatda also linked the election victories to the broader national reforms being implemented by President Tinubu, saying the administration is laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.
He commended the President for demonstrating courage and vision in confronting long-standing structural challenges facing the country.
“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,” he said.
The APC National Chairman maintained that the victories were not merely electoral successes but validations of a governing philosophy anchored on bold leadership, responsible decision-making and sustainable development.
He congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Oyebanji, APC leaders and members across the federation, as well as all candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections.
Yilwatda also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
He assured Nigerians that the APC would remain focused on delivering good governance, strengthening democratic institutions and expanding development opportunities across the country.
“Our message to Nigerians is simple: we have heard your voices, we appreciate your confidence and we shall continue to justify the trust you have placed in our party through impactful governance, economic renewal and inclusive national development,” he said.
“The APC remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and more united Nigeria. The victories recorded in Ekiti and the bye-elections reinforce our resolve to work even harder in service to the Nigerian people.”
