The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the party’s victory in the Ekiti governorship election and its strong showing in bye-elections nationwide reflect a clear vote of confidence in the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.
In a statement issued on Monday, Yilwatda described Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resounding re-election in Ekiti and the APC’s wins in five of six bye-elections as an endorsement of the party’s governance philosophy and the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition Nigeria for growth.
The APC chairman said the outcomes show Nigerians can distinguish between temporary economic pains linked to reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal.
“The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy,” Yilwatda said, through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, that “These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.”
He said Ekiti voters proved that “performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics.”
Oyebanji’s re-election, he added, is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent resource management, and visible achievements across the state.
Governor Oyebanji was declared the winner after securing a commanding victory across Ekiti, reaffirming voter confidence in his administration and the APC’s developmental agenda.
The party also won five of six bye-elections conducted across various states.
Yilwatda noted that the Ekiti result strengthens the APC’s argument that performance-based governance is electorally rewarding, even amid difficult economic transitions.
“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.
He called the Ekiti election a national reference point that sends a clear message that “governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy.”
According to him, the people of Ekiti spoke loudly for continuity, stability and progress.
The APC chairman described Ekiti under Oyebanji as one of Nigeria’s most compelling governance success stories.
He cited sustained investments in roads, rural development, human capital, healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare, and ease of doing business as proof that the state is translating public trust into measurable outcomes.
Yilwatda said the election outcomes should be viewed within the wider context of President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Despite inheriting deep structural challenges, he said, Tinubu has shown courage in implementing reforms needed for long-term prosperity.
The voter confidence, he argued, shows growing public understanding of those reforms.
He congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Oyebanji, APC leaders and members in Ekiti and nationwide, and all candidates who won in the bye-elections and also commended INEC, security agencies, and the people of Ekiti for the peaceful conduct of the poll.
“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,” Yilwatda said.