ABUJA, Nigeria — Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the party has the numbers and strength to win the upcoming Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking at the launch of the APC National Campaign Council for the Ekiti Governorship election on June 20 in Abuja, Yilwatda presented the party’s flag to Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term. He praised Oyebanji’s record in infrastructure, social protection, scholarships, and health programs. “You are connecting roads and connecting hearts across the state. We celebrate you, and I thank God for giving you to the people of Ekiti and to our party as well,” Yilwatda said.
He described Oyebanji as “one of the best candidates for this election,” adding that APC’s strength and manpower make it unbeatable. “APC has the strength and is prepared to win any election,” he declared. Yilwatda also dismissed concerns about funding, saying the party has the capacity to mobilize resources down to the polling unit level.
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, an engineer and academic, was elected APC National Chairman in 2025. Before his current role, he served as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He contested the Plateau State governorship in 2023 but lost narrowly. Known for his organizational skills and grassroots mobilization, Yilwatda has positioned himself as a strategist focused on strengthening APC’s internal structures and expanding its reach across Nigeria.
“APC saying they have the numbers is not surprising, but Nigerians want results, not just numbers,” one user wrote on X. Another commented: “Oyebanji has done well in Ekiti, but the people will decide. No party should assume victory.”
A spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti said: “APC is overconfident. The people are tired of promises. We are ready to challenge them at the ballot box.”
A senior official in the Ministry of Political Affairs noted: “Confidence is good, but elections are won on credibility and delivery. Nigerians are watching closely.”
Political analyst Dr. Funmi Adeyemi said: “Yilwatda’s remarks reflect APC’s internal unity, but overconfidence can backfire. The Ekiti election will be a test of their grassroots strength.”
A trader in Ado-Ekiti told reporters: “We hear APC saying they have the numbers, but what we want is better roads, schools, and jobs. That is what will decide our vote.”
The Ekiti governorship election is expected to be closely watched as a bellwether ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
