By Adegbaju Temitope
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the sweeping victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti State governorship election and the party’s strong performance in recent bye-elections across the country as a clear endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy and the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Yilwatda said the election outcomes demonstrate that Nigerians are beginning to appreciate the long-term benefits of ongoing economic and institutional reforms despite the temporary challenges associated with the transition.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC National Chairman said the results reflected growing public confidence in the party’s commitment to development, accountability and good governance.
According to him, the overwhelming victory recorded in Ekiti and the successes achieved in five of the six bye-elections conducted across the federation represent a powerful validation of 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. These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people,” he said.
Yilwatda noted that Governor Oyebanji’s re-election was a reward for what he described as visionary leadership, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across Ekiti State.
He maintained that the outcome of the governorship election has reinforced the party’s belief that performance remains the most effective campaign strategy in democratic governance.
“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.
The APC chairman described the Ekiti election as a national reference point, arguing that governments that deliver tangible results in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security and youth empowerment are more likely to enjoy sustained public support.
He said the election result sends a strong message that effective governance rather than political rhetoric remains the foundation of electoral legitimacy.
According to him, Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most notable examples of development-focused governance, citing investments in road infrastructure, rural development, healthcare delivery, agriculture, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.
“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 said.
Yilwatda also linked the electoral victories to President Tinubu’s broader reform agenda, describing the administration’s policies as bold but necessary measures aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy for long-term growth and competitiveness.
He acknowledged that the government inherited significant structural challenges but said the President had demonstrated courage and vision in pursuing reforms designed to strengthen economic resilience and national development.
“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 stressed that the victories should be seen not merely as electoral achievements but as endorsements of a governing philosophy built on responsible leadership, difficult but necessary decisions and sustainable development.
He congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Oyebanji, APC leaders and members across the country, 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 and credible electoral process.
He assured Nigerians that the APC would remain committed to delivering democratic dividends, deepening reforms and pursuing policies aimed at promoting economic renewal, national unity and inclusive development.
“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.
“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,” he added.
