2026: No Room for Complacency Despite APC’s Edge, Ibitoye Charges Members As Fatoba Empowers Constituents
By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and veteran grassroots politician, Hon. Sunday Ibitoye, has cautioned party members against complacency ahead of the 2026 governorship election, insisting that massive mobilisation remains critical despite the ruling party’s apparent advantage.
Ibitoye stated this while speaking at a large-scale empowerment programme organised by the Member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, Rt. Hon. Fatoba Olusola Steve.
At the event, Rt. Hon. Fatoba disbursed ₦20 million to traders, farmers and artisans across Ado–Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, a gesture aimed at boosting grassroots businesses and stimulating local economic growth.
Speaking to party faithful at the programme, Ibitoye noted that while political developments suggest there is no formidable opposition to the incumbent governor and APC governorship candidate, elections are not won by assumptions.
“It may appear that there is no serious opposition in the field, but that does not mean we should relax,” he said. “Elections are about the people, and if you don’t mobilise them, you risk apathy on election day.”
The former Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government stressed that voter turnout, not perceived popularity, ultimately determines electoral success. He urged APC members to intensify grassroots engagement, sensitisation and mobilisation across communities.
“We must not go to sleep,” Ibitoye charged. “This is the time to move round wards, units and streets, to talk to our people and encourage them to come out and vote. When supporters assume victory is guaranteed, many stay at home, and that is dangerous.”
He commended Rt. Hon. Fatoba Olusola Steve for what he described as people-oriented program, noting that empowerment initiatives such as the programme would strengthen public confidence in the APC-led administration.
According to him, consistent delivery of dividends of democracy remains one of the strongest tools for mobilisation, as it reinforces trust between leaders and the electorate.
Ibitoye concluded by calling on party leaders at all levels to work together to ensure widespread participation in the electoral process, stressing that a convincing victory requires active involvement of the grassroots, not mere political calculations.