Why Governor Biodun Oyebanji Will Defeat Anybody, If APC Primary Holds Tomorrow – Idowu Afuye
Why Governor Biodun Oyebanji Will Defeat Anybody, If APC Primary Holds Tomorrow – Idowu Afuye
If the All Progressives Congress (APC) were to conduct its gubernatorial primary election tomorrow in Ekiti State, one thing is certain — His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), will emerge victorious without any contest close enough to shake his lead. This is not just a projection; it is a confident assertion backed by facts, performance, grassroots connection, party loyalty, and political strategy.
1. Performance-Based Popularity
Governor BAO’s performance since assuming office has been outstanding and widely acknowledged. His administration has delivered on key areas including:
Infrastructure Development: From road construction and rehabilitation across all senatorial districts, to completion of abandoned projects, his impact is visible and tangible.
Education: Massive investment in school renovations, teacher recruitment, and improved learning environments.
Health Sector Revamp: Modern health centres, procurement of medical equipment, and community-based health outreach programmes.
Welfare and Empowerment: Civil servants receive salaries regularly and promotions are backed with financial benefits. Youth and women empowerment initiatives have also improved livelihoods across the state.
These achievements have earned him the trust and admiration of both the masses and APC stakeholders.
2. Unshakeable Grassroots Structure
BAO enjoys a deep and loyal grassroots network across all local governments, wards, and polling units. He has maintained strong ties with traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions, and local political structures. These are the same people who drive delegates’ decisions in primaries. He doesn’t just talk governance — he lives with the people and understands their language.
3. Party Unity and Bridge-Building Role
No governor in recent times has been able to unite the APC family in Ekiti the way BAO has done. Factions that previously threatened the stability of the party now find themselves working under one roof. BAO has demonstrated a rare ability to:
Settle internal disputes without bias
Recognize the contributions of party elders and young party faithful alike
Appoint APC loyalists into strategic political positions across board
This sense of inclusiveness has created a loyal army of party delegates who believe in his re-election.
4. Unrivalled Loyalty to the APC
BAO has shown himself to be a loyal party man. He has never wavered in his support for the party at both the state and national levels. He has helped deliver victory for the APC in every election conducted under his leadership from National Assembly to State Assembly and local government elections.
His loyalty has not gone unnoticed by party stakeholders across the nation. If the primary were to happen tomorrow, national and state party leaders would naturally queue behind a dependable and results-driven leader like BAO.
5. A Man of the People A Governor of Peace
Governor Oyebanji’s humility, calm nature, and accessibility stand him out. He is a man who attends town hall meetings, walks among his people, listens to their grievances, and returns with solutions. His open-door policy and people-first governance model have made him not just a leader but a beloved figure in Ekiti politics.
6. Recent Political Gains
BAO has made strong political statements recently, including:
The successful defection of notable PDP leaders into APC
Consolidation of Ekiti South votes
Building political alliances beyond traditional blocs
These moves have not only boosted APC’s strength in Ekiti but have reaffirmed his grip on the structure.
Conclusion
If the APC gubernatorial primary were held tomorrow, Governor Biodun Oyebanji would win resoundingly. His governance record, grassroots machinery, party loyalty, peace-building capacity, and political momentum make him the undisputed favourite.
Ekiti APC knows its winning formula — and that formula is BAO.
Comrade Idowu Afuye
Political Analyst & Advocate of Good Governance
