Vice-President Shettima urges APC to target 95% vote share in Ekiti for 2027

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has issued a challenge to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, urging them to secure between 90 and 95 percent of the votes cast in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027. Speaking at a presidential campaign rally in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, Shettima cited the party’s historical electoral strength in the state and the growing support for President Bola Tinubu as justification for this ambitious target. He emphasized that the state’s political landscape has shifted significantly in favor of the ruling party, making a high vote share both achievable and necessary for the administration’s continued mandate.

During the rally, Shettima expressed gratitude to Ekiti voters for their support in the 2023 presidential election and the recent governorship race. He noted that in 2023, the state delivered 201,495 votes to President Tinubu. Additionally, the APC secured every one of the sixteen local government areas, three senatorial positions, and six House of Representatives seats within the state. Shettima also highlighted that Governor Abiodun Oyebanji won the recent governorship election, reinforcing the party's dominance in the region. In a significant shift, he revealed that three former rivals who had challenged Governor Oyebanji under the banners of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) have now aligned with the APC to back Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

Background

The Vice-President’s comments come amid ongoing debates regarding the influence of digital platforms on Nigerian politics. Shettima dismissed the opposition’s reliance on social media, arguing that online activity does not translate into physical electoral support. He stated that polling booths do not exist on platforms such as Instagram or Facebook, suggesting that grassroots mobilization and political structures are the true determinants of election outcomes. He urged opposition parties to demonstrate tangible achievements to the Nigerian electorate rather than relying on sentiment or online rhetoric.

Shettima also directed criticism at former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his political relevance in his home state of Adamawa. He pointed out that several former governors of Adamawa, including Jibrilla Bindow, Murtala Nyako, Boni Haruna, and Bala Ngilari, as well as the incumbent Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, were not backing Abubakar. Shettima argued that if a political figure cannot maintain influence in their home base, their ability to command national support is questionable. He further noted that a recent court ruling has plunged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) into crisis, which may threaten Abubakar’s 2027 presidential ambitions.

Why it matters

The push for a 95 percent vote share in Ekiti is significant as it sets a benchmark for the APC’s performance in other states ahead of the 2027 general elections. By highlighting specific federal interventions in Ekiti, Shettima aimed to link the administration’s policies to local benefits. He highlighted major federal road infrastructure, the creation of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, and student financing via the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as primary accomplishments. Additionally, he mentioned plans for a mining and geosciences institute in the state. These points are intended to persuade voters that the current administration has delivered on its promises and requires a renewed mandate to complete ongoing work. The dismissal of opposition social media strategies also reflects a broader strategic shift by the ruling party, which is prioritizing traditional ground-level campaigning over digital engagement.

What happens next

The APC in Ekiti State is now expected to organize further grassroots activities to meet the Vice-President’s target for the January 16, 2027 election. The party will likely focus on consolidating its support base in all 16 local government areas to ensure the high turnout and vote share requested by Shettima. Meanwhile, the opposition parties, including the PDP, SDP, and APM, will need to address the criticism regarding their social media strategies and work to regain the support of defectors who have joined the APC campaign. The political landscape in Ekiti and other states will continue to evolve as the 2027 elections approach, with both sides intensifying their efforts to mobilize voters.