The Senate Leader and Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has declared that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, poses no threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bamidele attributed his confidence to the support being enjoyed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji from prominent PDP leaders in the state, including former Governor Ayodele Fayose and former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the residence of former Governor Niyi Adebayo in Iyin-Ekiti, the Senate Leader said the APC had gained a significant advantage ahead of the election due to the backing of influential figures traditionally associated with the PDP.

According to him, the support of Fayose and Olujimi has effectively strengthened the APC’s chances of securing victory at the polls.

Bamidele said, “Today, I can confidently say that the PDP votes we had in 2022 have changed significantly. There is no Chief Eleka on the ballot this time. I am not saying there is no PDP, but by the grace of God, you know we own PDP in Ekiti today.

“What was known as the original PDP in this state was under the influence two important personnel that is our leader, former Governor Ayodele Peter Fayose, and another faction led by Senator Biodun Olujimi. Today, Fayose is working for this campaign, and Senator Olujimi is not only working but she is also a major stakeholder in our party and has contributed immensely to the campaign council.”

Despite expressing confidence in the party’s chances, Bamidele cautioned APC members against complacency urging stakeholders to remain committed to grassroots mobilization and avoid any form of fear ahead of the election.

He said the party was targeting no fewer than 500,000 votes and stressed the need for members to work tirelessly to achieve the goal.

The Senate Leader also assured party faithful that both the APC leadership and Governor Oyebanji had put necessary measures in place to ensure a smooth and successful electoral process.

Corroborating Bamidele’s position, Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed confidence that the APC would record a resounding victory in the governorship election.

The governor called on party members to welcome and accommodate all individuals willing to contribute to the APC’s success, regardless of their previous political affiliations.

Oyebanji described the June 20 election as critical not only to Ekiti State and the APC but also to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the South-West region.

“Let me add to what our leaders have said and explain why the June 20 election is extremely important to us as a people, to the APC, and to the President. What we are sending to the world on that day is a clear message that the South-West stands firmly behind a President who is loved by his people,” he said.

The governor noted that the Ekiti election is one of the key polls preceding the next presidential election and would be closely watched across the country

“Other parts of the country are observing what will happen in the South-West. Therefore, whoever is willing to help us achieve victory should be embraced. We must work together because that is the only way we can attain our target of 500,000 votes.

“Elections are won by numbers, and developments in Ekiti over the last one week have shown clearly that our people are ready for the election,” Oyebanji stated.

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.

Residents of Ado West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have benefited from a palliative distribution programme organized by the council chairman, Hon. Adebolu Aladesanmi, as part of efforts to support vulnerable households and low-income earners in the area.

The programme, held at the Local Government Registry, Isato, provided food items and other essential materials to elderly residents, vulnerable families and other beneficiaries across the council area.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Aladesanmi said the initiative was aimed at providing relief to residents and demonstrating the council’s commitment to people-oriented governance.

He noted that the large turnout recorded at the programme was made possible through the support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and announced that beneficiaries of the Owo Arugbo scheme would receive two months’ payments in addition to the distributed food items.

According to him, selected residents from various wards also benefited from the palliative materials.

“This is our way of showing that we see you, we hear you, and we are committed to prioritizing your welfare,” he said, pledging to sustain the initiative throughout his second term in office.

The chairman also called on residents to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election.

Also speaking, the Ekiti State APC Chairman, Hon. Sola Eleshin, commended Hon. Aladesanmi for reviving and sustaining the Owo Arugbo scheme, describing him as a visionary leader committed to the welfare of the people.

Hon. Eleshin urged residents not to stay away from the polls on election day, stressing that every vote would count in determining the outcome of the election.

He disclosed that Ado Local Government has about 89,000 registered voters and challenged residents to deliver at least 85,000 votes for the APC, noting that as the state capital, Ado should set the pace for other local government areas.

The APC chairman described the party as a platform open to all and encouraged members and supporters to intensify grassroots campaigns ahead of the election.

In his remarks, Ado APC Chairman, Hon. Mike Akinleye, urged residents to continue praying for Governor Oyebanji and to ensure they vote for the right candidate during the election.

He also advised voters to contact party agents if they encounter any difficulties while casting their votes.

Similarly, the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Hon. Chief Bosun Osaloni, appealed to residents to support the APC at the polls, saying such support would strengthen ongoing development efforts by the government and the Ado West LCDA administration.

He assured beneficiaries that the palliative distribution would be inclusive and reach people across the council area.

Some of the beneficiaries who received the food items expressed appreciation to the council leadership for the gesture and appealed for the continuation of the welfare programme to cushion the effects of economic hardship.