APC Pledges Issue-Based Campaigns Ahead of Ekiti, Osun Governorship Polls

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has pledged to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

 

The party also reaffirmed its commitment to political stability, responsible engagement, and credible electoral processes before, during, and after the elections.

 

APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

 

According to a statement issued by Yilwatda’s Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman stressed the importance of Nigeria’s stability to Africa and the wider international community.

 

“We welcome you to our party secretariat. Nigeria is strategic not just to Africa but to the entire world. The stability of Nigeria is important to both Africa and Europe. Any instability in Nigeria will have far-reaching consequences across the continent. Therefore, we must all work together to support the stability and progress of our country,” Yilwatda said.

 

He noted that Nigeria plays a crucial role in Africa’s economic growth, security, and democratic development, adding that strong democratic institutions are essential for sustainable national progress.

 

“We want our foreign partners to continue supporting democratic institutions in Nigeria. Many African countries draw strength from Nigeria’s leadership and stability, and we must continue to strengthen our democratic processes for the benefit of our people and the continent,” he added.

 

Yilwatda highlighted the party’s recent primary elections, describing them as largely peaceful and transparent.

 

“We had more than 6,000 party members participate in our primaries across different levels, and less than three per cent of the outcomes generated petitions. This demonstrates that the process was largely peaceful, transparent and widely accepted,” he said.

 

The APC chairman further described the ruling party as a model for political organisations across the country.

 

“We are the reference point for other political parties. They observe our processes and often replicate our innovations and practices. This places a great responsibility on us to continue setting high standards for internal democracy and political conduct,” he stated.

 

Speaking on the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, Yilwatda said the APC would focus on policy issues rather than divisive politics.

 

“On Ekiti and Osun, we are discussing issues, not sentiments. We are very conscious of the need to avoid actions that could destabilise any part of the country. Our focus is to ensure that both states remain peaceful and stable before, during and after the elections,” he said.

 

He also commended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the administration remained committed to building a stronger economy and investing in critical infrastructure.

 

“The President is working towards achieving a $1 trillion economy while investing heavily in critical infrastructure that will secure Nigeria’s economic future. As a party, we are committed to sustaining these reforms and ensuring that the gains are consolidated for future generations,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, the British High Commissioner announced that the United Kingdom would deploy election observers to monitor the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls.

 

Montgomery said the elections were significant as they would be the last off-cycle governorship elections before the next general elections.

 

He noted that the UK remained interested in Nigeria’s democratic and economic development while respecting the country’s sovereignty.

 

“Nigeria is Africa’s largest country, and developments within it are of major importance to the United Kingdom, which has significant economic, financial and security interests tied to its stability and democratic progress,” he said.

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Ekiti State governorship election for June 20, 2026, while the Osun State governorship election will hold on August 8, 2026.