APC targets 500,000 votes in Forthcoming Ekiti Guber poll -Dipe, Party Spokesman

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has said it is targeting at least 500,000 votes in the forthcoming governorship election, describing the projection as the outcome of extensive grassroots mobilisation rather than optimism.

The party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr Segun Dipe, disclosed this on Thursday while featuring on Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today, a simulcast radio programme in Ado-Ekiti.

Dipe, who is also Co-Director of Media and Communication for the Biodun Oyebanji 2026 Campaign Organisation, said the target was based on “ground-level research” and increasing voter readiness across the state.

“We have done ground-level work for the people to be unified and convinced. Experience is going to speak. Voter turnout will not be low this year,” he said.

He said although the party had commenced campaigns across the 177 wards in the state, the official flag-off  of the Party’s campaign would hold on April 27 in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.

According to him, the APC would intensify grassroots engagement to consolidate its support base, adopting a ward-by-ward and community-driven approach.

Dipe said the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji had effectively combined governance with politics by prioritising service delivery while sustaining strong political structures.

He cited achievements in healthcare, education, pension administration and rural electrification as factors driving public support for the governor.

“Free healthcare for persons with disabilities is in place, public schools have been revitalised, pensioners are being paid, and communities now enjoy improved electricity supply

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“The governor has also sustained town hall meetings as cornerstone of the State’s budget processing , giving the people direct access to governance,” he said.

Dipe added that Oyebanji’s prudent management of resources and people-centred leadership style had earned him broad acceptance across the state.

He further said former governors in the state were rallying support for the incumbent, describing the endorsements as a reflection of his competence and loyalty.

On the opposition, Dipe said the APC would not underestimate any contender and would continue to canvass support through sustained grassroots campaigns.

“We will not take our opponents for granted. We will continue to engage the people and earn their support,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of security and transparency in the electoral process, noting that the campaign organisation was preparing  well for the elections while welcoming media scrutiny.

Dipe said the party’s focus extended beyond electoral victory, emphasising its commitment to sustaining development in the state.

“We are not chasing victory; we are chasing legacy and history. In Ekiti, for this election, we will make history,” he said.