The 103-member Women Campaign Council of the Ekiti State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress, on Wednesday, vowed to embark on aggressive mobilisation and marketing of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s candidacy to win the June 20 governorship poll and retain power till 2030.
They disclosed that retaining Oyebanji in power was not a selfish agenda, but represents a broad based thinking that would stabilise governance and consolidate democracy dividends for the Ekiti citizens, who have become highly fascinated with the governor’s achievements.
The women made the pledge during the inauguration of the 103- member APC Women Campaign Council by the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, to mobilise the voters at the grassroots for Governor Oyebanji, held at Adunni Olayinka House, Fajuyi Area, Ado Ekiti.
The campaign Council, is to be coordinated by the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and to be assisted by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, ex-First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, a former Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, Senator Biodun Olujimi and Mrs Ronke Okusanya, as Co-coordinators.
Committees inaugurated included that of Mobilisation, Young women in politics, Christian and Muslim campaign committee, Farm settlement, Female Professionals, special Outreach, Market committee, Road Show committee, Elders Campaign committee, among others.
Speaking at the political event, the First Lady, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, maintained that the governor has done creditably well for women in politics and governance in the last three and half years, and deserves being supported for reelection.
Having a reminiscence of past political events, the First Lady averred that experiences in APC indicated how resourceful and energetic women were in terms aggressive mobilisation at the grassroots, remembering with profound sense of appreciation how they worked hard to deliver victory for Governor Oyebanji.
She urged members of the various committees to work collaboratively and deliver more votes for the governor in the impending poll, saying those selected were picked based on the antecedents, personalities and rich track records as influential figures in their respective domains and chosen areers.
Dr Oyebanji was emphatic that the committee members were entrusted with a clear assignment, which is to work towards the successful reelection of a governor , she described as responsive, accessible and hardworking in his service to the state.
“Let me emphasize that this task demands unity, dedication and a shared sense of purpose. I therefore urge you to approach it with passion and all sincerity.
“Now that individuals and committees have been given specific roles, the expectation is action . This council must become a platform for collaboration , meaningful contributions and strategic planning. Let us begin to put forward practical ideas and initiative that will strengthen .our campaign across all fronts.
“It is also important to intensify mobilisation at our various wards and units. We must engage , connect and inspire our people from house- to- house and from person- to -person , so that the votes for our governor will not only increase, but significantly surpass what was recorded in 2022 governorship election”.
Dr Olayemi reminded that the council comprises women of strength and influences, who can deliver outstanding results, urging them to rev up the pedal of hardwork and deliver resounding success better than they did in 2022.
Making a vow to retain Governor Oyebanji in power till 2030, an APC Women Leader, Mrs Ronke Okusanya, who spoke for the women, promised to embark on house- to- house, market- to -market, farmstead -to -farmstead and across communities to market the governor to the electorate.
Mrs Okunsanya, a former commissioner, stated that women are solidly behind the governor and nothing will be spared to ensure that he wins resoundingly in the coming election to continue with his good works.
“The task before us is to market our governor across all our towns and we gave to work tirelessly to accomplish this. Let us start the work now. Please, don’t neglect anybody, preach to all and ensure that we win for our governor. Victory will be ours by the grace of God”.
Also in their submissions, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe and Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide, disclosed that women accounted for over 65% of the voting population, which makes them pivotal to election winning in the Ekiti’s demographic structures .
The political bigwigs said the APC has what they branded as “fantastic product” in Governor Oyebanji, that will be easy to market to the people across Ekiti through the impactful and landmark projects he had initiated to bring succour to the populace.
They said the campaign architecture had been devolved from the centre to the 177 wards, so that women can work assiduously at the grassroots, saying era of jamboree campaign across towns was over.
“We want you to take absolute charge of this campaign. Be focused and dont look at the side talks. Go and work on all those areas we think we should work on to solidify our party ahead of this poll. We know we have a good product to market, but we have to do more and perform better than before”.
Political heavyweights at the event were: Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, former female Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba.
Others are: Commissioner for Environment, Mrs Tosin Aluko, Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi, former Commissioner for Physical and Urban Planning, Hon. Dapo Karounwi, women Chairmen across Local Governments, top female politicians, among others.