A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, says the victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State will be replicated on August 15.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Mr Oyintiloye described Mr Oyebanji’s victory as well-deserved.

He said the outcome of the election was a resounding endorsement of the governor’s performance and the people’s mandate, describing it as a historic triumph achieved with an unprecedented margin in the Ekiti governorship elections.

According to him, the result reflects the people’s confidence in progressive governance, noting that Mr Oyebanji’s administration has remained focused on development, inclusiveness and the welfare of citizens.

Mr Oyintiloye said the APC’s victory in Ekiti signalled the party’s popularity and expressed confidence that it would secure an even more decisive win in the Osun governorship election.

He commended the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, for providing strategic leadership that continues to strengthen the party nationwide.

“The Ekiti result has shown that when a party remains united, focused and committed to grassroots engagement, victory becomes inevitable.

“It is a clear lesson for us in Osun that teamwork, dedication and collective responsibility are indispensable for electoral success,” he said.

Mr Oyintiloye urged APC members and supporters in Osun State to remain united and committed, adding that every member has a role to play in ensuring victory at the polls.

He also acknowledged the role of the party leader in Osun, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former governor of the state, for sustaining the party since the 2022 governorship election.

He noted that Mr Oyetola had maintained engagement with party members, stakeholders and interest groups, thereby strengthening the party’s structure and boosting confidence ahead of the August 15 poll.

Mr Oyintiloye said the party’s mobilisation strategy remained robust and result-oriented, aimed at reconnecting with the electorate and consolidating support across all wards and local government areas.

He expressed optimism that the people of Osun would support the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, whom he described as competent, experienced and people-oriented.

“The people of Ekiti have reaffirmed their belief in progressive governance.

“By the grace of God, the people of Osun will do the same on August 15 by electing Oyebamiji as the next governor of the state,” he said.

He added that growing party unity, grassroots strength and increasing acceptance of the candidate were clear indications of an impending victory.

Mr Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said the ruling party in Osun should prepare for defeat, insisting that the APC would record a landslide victory.

“The victory secured by the APC in Ekiti will be replicated in Osun. The party is widely accepted by the people, and this is a clear signal to the ruling party to brace for defeat.

“Our candidate is ready, the party is ready, and the electorate is ready to repeat the same victory in Osun,” he said.

He added that the Ekiti victory had boosted the morale of APC members in Osun and urged opposition parties to support the APC.

Mr Oyintiloye said the party had endured four years out of power and expressed confidence that it would return to office on August 15.

“We are ready. We have waited long enough, and by Aug. 15, the victory recorded in Ekiti will be replicated in Osun, and the state will return to progressive leadership.

“Both the opposition and the ruling party should recognise that the APC is poised to return to power,” he said.

He urged the electorate to continue supporting the APC and its candidate, assuring that their welfare would be prioritised.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mr Oyebanji the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The governor was re-elected after polling 319,224 votes, defeating his closest rivals, Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), across the 16 local government areas in the state.

(NAN)