APC Primaries: Oyebaji Blames Party’s Internal Democracy for Tinubu’s Rise

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji praised the large turnout of All Progressive Congress (APC) members in 177 wards across the state, which resulted in the party’s presidential ticket being awarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the outcome as a strong vote of confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and a clear affirmation of the party’s unity and internal democracy.

Governor Oyebanji arrived at Ward 6, Ikogosi-Ekiti, at about 10:35 am and took part in the presidential affirmation exercise. He said the process was peaceful, orderly, and a true reflection of the party’s commitment to deepening internal democracy at all levels.

Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the governor noted that the enthusiasm shown by party members indicated a united purpose and confidence in Tinubu’s leadership direction. He added that the process was free of rancour.

Calling the exercise historic, the governor said it was the first time that all party members had the opportunity to directly and actively participate in selecting the party’s presidential flag bearer.

While commending the APC for enhancing internal democracy and providing a platform for every member to participate in decision‑making, the governor described the exercise as transparent and inclusive.

Governor Oyebanji said, “You can see the enthusiasm here among our party members to exercise their democratic right. This speaks to internal democracy in the APC. Since we started the primaries some weeks ago, people have come out to vote for candidates of their choice.”

“Today is different and historic because this will be the first time that members of the party will have a say in who becomes the presidential candidate of the party. In our ward in Ikogosi, we have 624 registered party members, and 620 votes were cast in favor of President Tinubu to continue as the flag bearer of the party. From the news I have received across the state, it has been a peaceful exercise.”

“I must commend the APC for deepening internal democracy and offering a platform for every member of the party to have a say in who becomes the presidential flag bearer,” he added.

Expressing confidence that President Tinubu will win a landslide in the general elections, Governor Oyebanji said the overwhelming support shown during the presidential primaries across the state and elsewhere in the country clearly indicates that the President enjoys wide acceptance and strong backing from party members and the electorate.

“If performance is a yardstick in electoral success, then there is nothing to fear about the victory and the emergence of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election,” Oyebanji concluded.