The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed Ogun State as a stronghold of the ruling party, expressing confidence that residents will vote overwhelmingly for the APC in Saturday’s Remo Federal Constituency by-election.
Speaking at the Gateway International Airport on Thursday, on his way to Abuja after attending the party’s grand finale campaign in Sagamu, Yilwatda warned that voting for any party other than the APC would be a waste of votes.
Describing the Gateway International Airport as a “game-changer,” he said the facility would open Ogun State to the outside world and drive economic transformation.
“We have known the APC as a progressive party with progressive policies and programmes, and this is one of them. Creating a new economy out of Ogun State, ensuring the state is open to the world, that is why we are here: to ensure the National Assembly from Ogun State is populated by the APC. We are sure we will achieve this,” he said.
Yilwatda stressed that President Bola Tinubu wants Ogun to align with the federal government, adding that the party’s candidate, Adesola Elegbeji, is “the voice” needed in the National Assembly.
“Anyone who votes for any other party aside from the APC is wasting their vote. I look forward to winning massively in Ogun State. It is our terrain, our state, our environment,” he declared.
Governor Dapo Abiodun assured residents that robust security arrangements had been made to ensure a peaceful election. He urged eligible voters to turn out en masse for the APC candidate.
“As Chief Security Officer of the state, it is my duty to ensure free, transparent, and successful elections. The security architecture is fully briefed, and we will not tolerate disturbances of any kind. If you are not planning to vote peacefully, stay at home, because we will deal with you decisively,” Abiodun warned.
He recalled the violence during the 2023 general and local government elections, marked by thuggery, ballot snatching, and attempted assassinations, vowing that such incidents would not be repeated.
The governor emphasised that replacing the vacated House of Representatives seat with another APC woman candidate was the party’s priority. He said his administration had fostered inter-party tolerance, contributing to Ogun’s ranking as the top state for Foreign Direct Investment.
The PDP’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate, who has since joined the APC, Abdukabir Adekunle Akinlade, also urged Remoland residents to vote massively for Elegbeji.
Similarly, the State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Odeda Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Adeyemo Folashade, described Elegbeji as a capable leader who would deliver the dividends of democracy, calling on voters to turn out in large numbers.
