Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has praised the strong participation of APC members across all 177 wards in the state. He credited the party's internal democracy for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's return as the presidential candidate.
Oyebanji arrived at his ward in Ikogosi-Ekiti around 10:35 am to join the presidential affirmation exercise. He later described the entire process as peaceful, orderly, and truly democratic.
Party unity stood out as the key message from the governor. He told reporters that members displayed remarkable enthusiasm and confidence in Tinubu's leadership direction.
"You can see the enthusiasm here among our party members to exercise their democratic right," Oyebanji noted. According to him, this reflected the APC's commitment to strengthening internal democracy at every level.
He emphasized that the exercise was historic for one clear reason. It marked the first time all party members could directly participate in choosing the presidential flag bearer.
In Ikogosi ward specifically, registered members totaled 624 persons. Tinubu received 620 votes, showing overwhelming grassroots support in the governor's constituency.
Across Ekiti State, similar enthusiasm emerged from other wards. The governor had received reports confirming peaceful conduct everywhere.
"This will be the first time that members of the party will have a say in who becomes the presidential candidate," Oyebanji said. He underscored how the APC had provided this unprecedented platform for member participation.
Transparency and inclusivity defined the entire exercise, according to the governor. He commended party leadership for ensuring every voice mattered in the decision-making process.
Oyebanji expressed strong confidence about Tinubu's prospects in the 2027 general elections. He predicted a landslide victory based on the massive support demonstrated during the primaries.
Support for the president came from both party members and the general electorate. According to Oyebanji, this backing extended across Ekiti and other regions nationwide.
"If performance is a yardstick in electoral success, then there is nothing to fear about the victory," the governor added. He believed Tinubu's track record would guarantee APC's success at the polls.
The governor's remarks underscored a broader narrative emerging from the primaries. Party officials nationwide were highlighting unity and democratic participation as strengths.
Oyebanji's comments reflected confidence within the APC leadership ranks. They viewed the exercise as both validating Tinubu's candidacy and strengthening party cohesion ahead of 2027.
