We are looking for 800,000 votes, representing about 90 per cent of the votes cast.
This target was set by the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a presidential campaign rally in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, as party leaders mobilized support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the January 16, 2027, election, according to Guardian.
APC Officials Campaign on Economic Reforms and Infrastructure
During the rally at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, several high-ranking officials campaigned on the administration’s performance, according to THISDAYLIVE. Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda also urged residents to support APC candidates in the forthcoming elections, calling for the party’s dominance in the National Assembly and state legislature.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the President, emphasized that the administration has remained faithful to its promises through bold economic reforms. He pointed to the transformation of the former State Specialist Hospital in Ikole-Ekiti into a Federal Medical Centre to serve alongside the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido-Ekiti. He further noted the establishment of a mining and geosciences institute in Ekiti and the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides students with N20,000 monthly for upkeep.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the former Edo State Governor and Senator, defended the government’s economic and security policies. He characterized a vote for Tinubu as a vote for prosperity and continuity for the country and Nigerian youths. Oshiomhole also highlighted the administration’s interventions in security, noting the establishment of additional military divisions, brigade units, and General Officer Commanding (GOC) positions to strengthen national security operations.
Governor Oyebanji Pledges Massive Victory for Tinubu
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed confidence in the state’s ability to deliver a massive victory for the President. He claimed that nothing prevents Ekiti from achieving victory for Tinubu, and added that, by the grace of God, the results from Ekiti will be the first to be announced. Oyebanji noted that the state had previously secured its results quickly in 2023 and pledged to double the party’s previous electoral performance in the upcoming polls.
The rally also saw participation from figures typically associated with opposition parties. Candidates who contested against the governor in the June 20 governorship election—including representatives from the PDP, APM, and SDP—were present to demonstrate solidarity with the governor and support Tinubu’s re-election.
Senator Yari Asserts Northern Support for the President
Senator Yari also addressed politics in Northern Nigeria, asserting that the region is firmly aligned with the President. Yari claimed that Northern Nigeria will deliver a larger voting block for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections than the South West geopolitical zone.
While discussing political relevance, Vice President Shettima questioned the home-base strength of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Shettima noted that none of the five governors Adamawa State has produced since 1999—Jibrilla Bindow, Murtala Nyako, Boni Haruna, Bala Ngilari, and incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri—is standing with the former Vice President.
The APC rally was attended by a wide array of dignitaries, including Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Ekiti State Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly Adeoye Aribasoye. Also present were former Ekiti State Governors Ayodele Fayose, Niyi Adebayo, and Kayode Fayemi, as well as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke, and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Segun Oni sent his apologies for the event.
VP Shettima greets the crowd upon his arrival at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion for the APC Presidential Campaign rally in Ekiti State. pic.twitter.com/jR0DtHofxw
We in Northern Nigeria, Bola is more of us than you in Ekiti, than you in Ondo, than you in Oyo, than you in Osun, than you in Lagos.
Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General, APC Presidential Campaign Council