National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the party’s victory in the Ekiti State governorship election and its strong showing in recent bye-elections across the country as proof that Nigerians still reward good performance at the polls.
According to him, the election outcomes reflect growing public confidence in the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the party’s style of governance, despite the economic difficulties currently being experienced by many Nigerians.
Yilwatda made the remarks in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Abimbola Tooki, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC winner of the Ekiti governorship election.
The APC National Chairman said the results showed that many Nigerians could distinguish between the short-term pains associated with economic reforms and the long-term benefits such policies are expected to bring.
He argued that the victories recorded by the ruling party demonstrated that citizens appreciate governments that focus on development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.
“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,” Yilwatda said.
“These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.”
He added that the outcome in Ekiti had become an important political lesson, showing that performance remains one of the strongest factors influencing voters’ decisions.
“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics,” he stated.
“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.”
Governor Oyebanji secured victory in the governorship election after winning convincingly across the state, reinforcing the APC’s dominance in Ekiti politics.
Beyond Ekiti, the ruling party also emerged victorious in five out of the six bye-elections conducted in different parts of the country, further strengthening its political influence ahead of future electoral contests.
Bye-elections are usually conducted to fill vacant legislative seats created by death, resignation, court rulings or appointments to other offices. Political analysts often view the outcomes of such elections as a reflection of public mood and the popularity of political parties.
For the APC leadership, the recent results have become evidence that Nigerians are still willing to support governments they believe are delivering on their promises.
Yilwatda said the Ekiti election, in particular, should serve as a national example of how effective governance can translate into electoral success.
“The Ekiti election has become a national reference point,” he said.
“It confirms that 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 insisted that the election outcome had sent a strong message to politicians across the country.
“This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress,” he added.
Yilwatda went on to describe Ekiti under Governor Oyebanji as one of Nigeria’s most impressive examples of people-focused governance.
He pointed to what he called major achievements by the governor’s administration in several sectors, including road construction, rural development, healthcare delivery, agricultural development and workers’ welfare.
According to him, the Oyebanji administration has also created a business-friendly environment while maintaining peace and political stability within the state.
He said the governor had succeeded in building broad political support across party lines and among different interest groups, helping to accelerate development.
“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes,” Yilwatda stated.
“The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance.”
The APC chairman further linked the election victories to the broader reform agenda being implemented by President Tinubu at the federal level.
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has introduced several economic reforms aimed at restructuring the Nigerian economy. Among the major policies are the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
While the administration has argued that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and attract investment, many Nigerians have complained about the rising cost of living triggered by higher fuel prices, increased transportation costs and inflation.
The hardship resulting from these measures has generated criticism from opposition parties and labour groups, who have accused the government of failing to provide adequate relief for ordinary citizens.
However, Yilwatda maintained that the reforms were laying the foundation for a stronger economy that would ultimately benefit Nigerians.
He said the administration’s efforts in economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional reforms were beginning to gain public acceptance.
According to him, the recent election outcomes suggest that voters understand the need for difficult but necessary decisions aimed at securing the country’s future.
He expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s policies would deliver sustainable growth, create jobs and improve national productivity over time.
The APC chairman also thanked party members, supporters and the electorate for their continued trust in the ruling party.
He urged elected officials under the APC platform not to take the victories for granted but to see them as a challenge to serve the people with greater commitment and integrity.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of future elections, the Ekiti governorship outcome and the results of the bye-elections are likely to shape conversations around governance, performance and voter expectations.
For the APC, the victories represent validation of its approach to leadership. For opposition parties, they serve as a reminder that Nigerians increasingly demand visible results and practical solutions to their daily challenges.