Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State have cautioned members and supporters of the party against complacency ahead of tye a June 20 governorship election, urging them to remain steadfast and intensify grassroots mobilization to secure victory for the party.
The Leaders gave the charge on Saturday during a meeting of leaders and stakeholders of the party held at the residence of the first civilian Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, in Iyin Ekiti.
Addressing the party leaders and stakeholders at the meeting, former Governor Adebayo said the widespread belief that the party had already won the election should not make members relax, stressing that victory could only be guaranteed through hard work, commitment and effective mobilization across the state.
He urged party leaders and members to return to their respective communities and wards and carry out the responsibilities expected of them, insisting that there is enormous work to be done to ensure APC emerge victorious at the polls.
Expressing confidence in the performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, former Governor Adebayo described him as a good product who has delivered excellent governance to the people of Ekiti State. He therefore charged members to return home and work tirelessly to deliver overwhelming victory for the APC in the forthcoming governorship election.
Also in his remarks, Chairman of the APC Campaign Council and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele thanked the leadership of the party for the confidence reposed in him to coordinate the council. He urged party faithful not to approach the election with fear but with excitement and confidence.
While expressing confidence that Governor Biodun Oyebanji enjoys widespread acceptance in the State, the Senate Leader cautioned party faithful against taking anything for granted, charging them to reach out to actual voters and work diligently to secure victory for the APC.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji expressed his appreciation to the leaders and members of the party for their commitment, sacrifice and relentless efforts towards the success of the election. He charged them to sustain the momentum and continue working tirelessly at the grassroots, stressing that only hard work would guarantee the overwhelming victory the party seeks in Saturday’s governorship election.
Explaining why the election is so crucial to the state and the party, the Governor said it is the best way to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and goodwill to Ekiti state
The Governor said he is confident that the APC would record a resounding victory at the governorship election, urging members of his party to embrace and accommodate everyone willing to contribute to the party’s success irrespective of their political affiliation.
The Governor said “let me just add to what has been said by our leaders and explain why June 20 election is extremely critical to us as a people and why it is also critical to APC and to the President. On June 20, what we are sending to the whole world is that in the southwest, we have a President that is loved by his zone, I don’t know if it is by accident or coincidence that the two elections that precede the presidential election will take place in the southwest, so other part of the country are looking at what will happen in the southwest.
“So, whoever wants to help us, let us embrace them and let us work together because that is the only way we can make the 500,000 votes target. Election is by numbers and what has been happening in Ekiti in the last one week points to the fact that our people are ready for the election”. The Governor asserted.
Also present at the meeting were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, members of the National and State Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Former Deputy Governors, Local Government Chairmen and other stakeholders in the party.