….APC targets 500,000 votes, flags off campaign strategy
- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
Senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Cyril Fasuyi has said that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not trade insults on any political parties or individuals but will engage in issues-based campaign strategies.
He disclosed that the campaign for the re-election bid of the Ekiti State Governor has continue to gained momentum with a strategic flag-off event emphasizing grassroots mobilization and a bold target of 500,000 votes across the state.
The event which had in attendance political officeholders and prominent stakeholders, including High Chief Jide Awe, Ranking Director General of the BAO Second Term Campaign; Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; members of the State House of Assembly, Local government Chairmen; and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, among others.
Addressing journalists at at an event held at the conference hall of the Governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, the Director General of the BAO Campaign Council 2026, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, hinted that the essence of the campaign flag-off is to present the scorecard and tangible achievements of Governor Oyebanji, popularly referred to as “Mr. Progress.”
He emphasized that the campaign would be issue-based, focusing on facts and verifiable results rather than engaging in political attacks. According to him, Ekiti State has recorded remarkable progress under the Oyebanji administration, particularly in security, where the state is regarded as one of the safest in Nigeria, as well as in key sectors such as economy, education, and agriculture.
W”The campaign we are flagging off will be issue-based. We are not here to trade insults. We are here to present records, results, and a roadmap. Our candidate is a known friend of all, Mr. Prosperity Sharer, Mr. Projects, Mr unifier, the People’s Governor, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, popularly referred to as BAO. He is seeking re-election on the strength of his first-term performance and in response to the wishes of the people”.
“Let me place the facts on the table. Four years ago, an APC Governor, His Excellency, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi handed a clear mandate to his would-be successor, that he should surpass him in terms of performance. Gov Oyebanji accepted the challenge and the rest is history. He started the work with all his energy immediately after his inauguration. Roads have been fixed across all 16 LGAs and 22 LCDAS. Our schools have been renovated, teachers get trained, and bursaries restored. Health centres now wear new look having been comprehensively renovated and well equipped and properly staffed”.
“Ekiti is now ranked the most secured state in Nigeria. To mention just a few”.
“On transparency, Ekiti scored 39 out of 39 in Q4 2025 and 100 out of 100 as a Progressive Performer in Q4 2024, We topped the 2026 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index. Food inflation in Ekiti is now the lowest in Nigeria. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is underway. Farm settlements are back. Women lead as Deputy Governor, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Head of Service; and Accountant General of the State, and as chairperson of local government council, among others”.
Senator Fasuyi further disclosed that grassroots mobilization has already commenced across the state, while the official All Progressives Congress (APC) flag-off is scheduled for April 27, 2026. He urged party members to engage voters constructively, canvass effectively, and avoid abusive language against political opponents.
“Our objective is clear — to secure victory in all 177 wards and achieve a minimum of 500,000 votes. While the last election focused on winning, this time we aimed to set a new record with a 177-0 margin,” he said.
He also called on the media to uphold professionalism by ensuring balanced and responsible reportage, while holding public office holders accountable without bias. He expressed confidence that the people of Ekiti State would deliver a resounding victory for Governor Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
During the interactive session, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, commended the administration for its achievements and reiterated the commitment of journalists in the state to fair and responsible reporting. He assured that the campaign activities would receive adequate global coverage, while maintaining the non-partisan stance of the media by giving equal access to all political parties.
In response to a question on the feasibility of achieving the 500,000 vote target, Senator Fasuyi expressed optimism, attributing the confidence to the governor’s performance and widespread acceptance among the people.
In his closing remarks, Senator Babafemi Ojudu noted that the absence of critical questions from the audience was a testament to the governor’s performance. He reaffirmed that Ekiti remains secure, with no incidents of insurgency, attributing this to the proactive leadership of Governor Oyebanji.
He appealed to APC members and stakeholders to intensify voter sensitization efforts ahead of the election, describing the mission to secure over 500,000 votes as achievable. He also encouraged the media to continue highlighting the administration’s achievements to keep the public well-informed.
