APC: Akpabio Says Members Are Worried About Delayed Candidate List Approval

Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, said that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly are beginning to panic over the delayed release of the list of successful candidates who will represent the party in the 2027 elections.

The APC leadership has not yet released the list of successful candidates following the House of Representatives and Senate primary elections held on May 18 and 19, respectively.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Campaign Council for the Ekiti governorship election in Abuja, Akpabio urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to keep its members informed, noting that many of his colleagues are experiencing “hypertension” as their prospects remain uncertain.

He added, “I’m only pleading with the party that when they bring out their final list, then they need to show that they are carrying all of us along. When the working committee meets, and brings out their final list, outside the committee, or the names of the people contesting the election, some of my people are having hypertension.”

National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, praised Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his performance, calling him one of the party’s best candidates for the upcoming election.

Yilwatda said the ruling party is building an inclusive campaign council.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State recalled that Oyebanji won the 2022 governorship election with 187,557 votes, defeating his closest rival by a margin of more than 104,000 votes.

Sani added that the ruling party aims to double the number of votes for Oyebanji and secure a margin of no less than 500,000 votes over his nearest competitor, emphasizing that this goal is more than a numerical target.

Sani stated, “It symbolises our commitment to ensuring that the voice of the people is amplified and their trust in good governance is rewarded.”

“I am pleased to announce that we have established effective campaign structures across all 16 local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti State.”

“This grassroots engagement is foundational to our strategy, ensuring that every citizen is reached, heard, and mobilised for this crucial election.”

“Our campaign will not merely be a series of rallies; it will be a movement that resonates with the aspirations of the people. The path ahead is made lighter by the progressive reforms of our former chairman.”

Sani said President Bola Tinubu’s visionary leadership is not only rebuilding Nigeria brick by brick but also empowering sub-national units, including Ekiti State, to flourish.

He stressed, “This election will serve as a reminder of these profound reforms, a testament to the positive changes taking root across our nation.”

“Governor Oyebanji’s anticipated landslide victory is further bolstered by the unique and unprecedented support he enjoys from all living former governors of Ekiti State.”