HOW THE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION VICTORY IN EKA MEFA ZONE OF IKOLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT WAS WON.
"History owes a duty to those who laboured. Political victories must be credited to those who built the structures, earned the people's trust, and remained steadfast long before the applause of victory."
Following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Governorship Election in Ekiti State, several narratives have emerged regarding the factors responsible for the electoral victory recorded across Eka Mefa and the various wards of Ikole Local Government Area. While victory naturally attracts celebration, it also attracts revisionism. Individuals who played little or no role in the arduous process of grassroots mobilization have, in recent times, have been projecting themselves as the principal architects of the party's success. Such claims not only distort history but also undermine the sacrifices of hundreds of committed party faithful who dedicated months and in many cases years to building the political structures that ultimately secured victory.
The purpose of this statement is simple: to ensure that posterity remembers those who truly laboured.
THE ROAD TO VICTORY
Every election has two stories.
The first is what the public sees on election day, the queues at polling units, campaign rallies, media coverage, and the eventual declaration of results. The second story is often hidden from public view. It is the story of months and years of planning, organization, relationship-building, political negotiations, community service, voter education, and relentless grassroots engagement.
It is this second story that produced the victory recorded across Eka Mefa. The election was not won within seventy-two hours. It was not won by speeches delivered days before the polls. It was not won through social media campaigns or political propaganda. Neither was it won from Abuja, Lagos, or hotel rooms occupied by politicians who suddenly rediscovered their constituencies a few days before the election.
The victory was built over time through deliberate investment in people and communities. Long before campaigns officially commenced, members of the Abejide Political Dynasty had already established active political structures across the various communities of Eka Mefa. Meetings were held consistently among party leaders, youths, women groups, artisans, traders, transport unions, farmers, religious leaders, traditional stakeholders, and non-indigenous residents.
EKA MEFA: WHERE THE FOUNDATION WAS LAID
The impressive electoral performance recorded across the six communities that make up Eka Mefa did not happen accidentally.
Each community had dedicated political coordinators. Each community had committed grassroots mobilizers.
Each community benefited from years of organizational work carried out under the umbrella of the Abejide Political Dynasty and other loyal party stakeholders. The responsibility of coordinating political activities was shared among trusted leaders who understood the peculiar dynamics of their various communities. This decentralized but coordinated approach became one of the greatest strengths of the party.
It ensured that no community was neglected. No voting bloc was ignored. No stakeholder was considered insignificant.
IJOWA
Ijowa was won through the collaborative coordination of the youth wing of the political dynasty who mobilised all the non-indigenes and visitors who reside in this community to come out in massive numbers to vote. This efforts involved series of meetings across board (indigenes and non-indigenes), months before election day. This resulted in the victory the party enjoyed at Ijowa.
IRELE
Among the communities that contributed immensely to the party's success was Irele. Victory in Irele did not happen by accident and neither was it spontaneous. Months before the election, a series of strategic meetings were convened involving both indigenous residents and non-indigenous communities. Recognizing the growing influence of settlers and resident associations within the voting population, the youth wing of the Abejide Political Dynasty embarked on deliberate engagements aimed at integrating these communities into the party's political structure. The efforts of Iyunade Yetunde and other members of ABEJIDE Progressive Youth Forum is highly laudable. These youths organized the non-indigenes into functional political support groups which significantly strengthened the party's grassroots network and enhanced voter mobilization.
Special recognition must be also be accorded to Mr. Kayode Bolaji, whose unwavering commitment and relentless grassroots activities before and during the election greatly contributed to the impressive result recorded in the community. Working alongside other dedicated members of the political family, he invested considerable time and energy in ensuring that the party maintained a visible presence within the community.
The outcome at the polls reflected months of organization rather than last-minute political appearances.
OKE AKO
The electoral success recorded in Oke Ako further demonstrates the importance of enduring political structures. For years, the progressive movement within the community has remained resilient irrespective of changing political circumstances. This culture of consistency was sustained through the efforts of respected party leaders including Rt. Hon. Olugbemi Dele, Hon. Oduntan, Hon. Lanre Adebayo, the Ward II Women Leader who are all committed members of the Abejide Political Dynasty. Together, they maintained regular engagement with community stakeholders, coordinated party activities, mobilized indigenous and non-indigenous voters, and ensured that the progressive message remained deeply rooted within the community.
The community has always been won by progressives even when PDP was the ruling party. Their success on election day was therefore neither accidental nor surprising. It represented the culmination of months of strategic planning, effective coordination, and unwavering dedication.
IPAO
No account of the election in Eka Mefa would be complete without acknowledging the exceptional role played by Chief Abejide himself within the Ipao community. His political philosophy has consistently emphasized that sustainable electoral success is earned through service rather than slogans.
Over an extended period, Chief Abejide invested in initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
Community requests for potable water received attention.
Financial support was extended to deserving individuals.
Empowerment initiatives strengthened livelihoods.
Community development projects fostered goodwill.
Religious harmony was equally encouraged through support for important community initiatives, including the construction of a mosque.
Hon. Gbenga Joseph, a preeminent member of Abejide Dynasty, also stepped in facilitate the provision of solar-powered lighting projects were in response to community needs.
These interventions were not conceived as election favours. They were expressions of responsible leadership and sustained community partnership. When the election eventually arrived, the people responded with overwhelming support because they had witnessed tangible evidence of commitment over time. The votes recorded in Ipao therefore reflected years of relationship-building and genuine political investment.
ITAPAJI
Perhaps nowhere was the strength of grassroots organization more visible than in Itapaji. Recognizing the strategic importance of the community, members of the Abejide Political Dynasty intensified community engagement long before election day. Leading these efforts was Hon. Afeez Adeyemo, who, alongside several committed dynasty members and youth mobilizers, moved tirelessly from one settlement to another canvassing support for the party.
The team did not rely solely on campaign rhetoric.
They listened. They negotiated. They mobilized.
They responded to genuine community concerns.
When members of the non-indigenous communities in Itagbangna who have mostly always sided with opposition party requested access to potable water, practical steps were taken to meet that need. Special acknowledgment is due to Hon. Gbenga Joseph, whose intervention helped facilitate the water project under the supervision of Hon. Afeez. Similarly, requests for solar-powered lighting by Hausa communities received positive attention through the intervention of Chief Adejide. All of these further strengtheded confidence in the party among residents who had historically supported opposition parties. These cumulative efforts transformed long-standing political relationships into electoral support. The eventual result recorded in Itapaji was therefore the logical outcome of years of sustained engagement.
IYEMERO
The electoral success achieved in Iyemero equally deserves proper historical recognition. Dedicated grassroots leaders remained actively engaged throughout the electioneering period, ensuring that party structures remained functional and responsive.
Special recognition goes to Hon. James Adeleye and Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, Ajoni Chairman of the Local Council Development Area, whose leadership and organizational efforts significantly contributed to the party's impressive performance within the community. Working alongside numerous party faithful and local stakeholders, they coordinated mobilization activities, strengthened voter participation, and sustained confidence in the party across Iyemero.
Like every other community within Eka Mefa, the result recorded in Iyemero was earned through commitment, sacrifice, and sustained political engagement—not through opportunistic claims made after victory had already been secured.
The story of Eka Mefa is, therefore, not the story of one individual. It is the story of a united political family, working across communities with a common purpose. It is a story of organization over opportunism, service over slogans, and structure over spectacle. That is the truth that history must preserve.
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
If there is one lesson from the 2026 Governorship Election in Ekiti State, it is that political victories are built from the grassroots upward. Every polling unit, every ward, every community meeting, every youth mobilization exercise, every women's gathering, every consultation with traditional and community leaders, and every developmental intervention contributed to the eventual outcome.
The victory recorded across Ikole Local Government was therefore not the achievement of one individual, nor was it the product of last-minute political appearances. It was the collective effort of committed party leaders and faithful who remained steadfast before, during, and after the election.
The result of Eka Mefa was not generated by daylight politicians who came unto the scene few days to election and claiming the election was won because of them.
The following account acknowledges those whose contributions deserve recognition.
WARD 1
In Ward 1, the success of the party was made possible through the collaborative efforts of party leaders, grassroots mobilizers, women leaders, and loyal supporters who remained committed to the progressive cause. The Incoming Councillor of Ward 1, alongside the Ikole West LCDA Chairman and other committed stakeholders, worked tirelessly to sustain the party's structures, coordinate supporters, and ensure effective voter turnout on election day.
Their commitment demonstrated that enduring political success is built through constant engagement with the people rather than temporary political visibility.
WARD 2
Ward 2 equally recorded a commendable performance through the commitment and dedication of Hon. Kuba, Hon. Apasa and other loyal members of the party. Their continuous engagement with the electorate, strategic mobilization, and commitment to strengthening the party's grassroots structures ensured that the party maintained overwhelming support throughout the ward.
Their efforts deserve acknowledgment and appreciation.
WARD 3
The impressive outcome recorded in Ward 3 reflected the coordinated leadership provided by Hon. Olubayo and his team. Working alongside other members of the Abejide Political Dynasty, they ensured that party structures remained active, supporters were mobilized, and every available political resource was effectively deployed toward achieving victory. Their dedication contributed significantly to the overall success recorded within the ward.
Special recognition must also be accorded to the Oba of Oke-Ijebu, whose influence, leadership, and unwavering support played a significant role in strengthening the party's hold in his community.
WARD 4
Ward 4 stands as another example of coordinated leadership and teamwork.
Special recognition is due to Hon. Idowu, Commissioner for Health, whose influence and grassroots engagement greatly strengthened the party's presence within the ward. Also deserving of commendation is Baba Falaki, who played a pivotal role in coordinating political activities and mobilizing support within Ikoyi Village.
Also deserving of commendation are Iya Niyi of Ara, the Vice Chairman of Ikole West, and the Commissioner for Finance, all of whom played strategic roles in mobilizing support from their respective communities.
Working together, these leaders coordinated extensive consultations, strengthened party unity, and inspired confidence among the electorate.
Their combined efforts ultimately produced the impressive result recorded in Ward 4.
WARD 5
The success recorded in Ward 5 was made possible through the efforts of Hon. Bukola Idowu and members of her team. Their consistent grassroots engagement, effective coordination, and unwavering loyalty to the party ensured that the ward contributed meaningfully to the overall electoral victory.
WARD 6
Recognizing the strategic importance of the ward, Chief Abejide personally entrusted Igi Nla with the responsibility of mobilizing non-indigenous residents in support of the party.
The assignment was carried out with remarkable commitment and helped strengthen the party's support base within the ward.
Hon. Dapo, Oreoluwa, the present Councillor, and other committed members of the Abejide Political Dynasty, all devoted considerable time and effort to strengthening the party's structures across the ward.
This serves as further evidence that victory resulted from carefully coordinated grassroots structures rather than spontaneous political activity.
WARD 7
The remarkable performance recorded in Ward 7 was achieved through the collective efforts of respected political leaders and committed party faithful.
Special recognition must be accorded to former deputy governor, Chief Paul Alabi, whose political experience and influence proved invaluable throughout the electioneering period. Equally deserving of recognition are the Chairman of the Kajola LCDA, Hon. Abbas, and other loyal members and followers of the Abejide Political Dynasty, who invested enormous effort in mobilizing supporters and strengthening party structures across the ward. Their collective commitment translated directly into votes. Special recognition also goes to the local government party chairman for his contribution.
WARD 8
Ward 8 produced another impressive performance through the combined efforts of distinguished party leaders.
Recognition is due to Rt. Hon. Speaker Steve Aribasoye, Hon. Ajisola Olusola, and Hon. Akin Rotimi, each of whom contributed significantly toward mobilizing supporters, coordinating campaign activities, and sustaining the party's visibility throughout the ward.
Their leadership inspired confidence among party faithful and reinforced the strength of the progressive movement within the community.
WARD 9
The achievements recorded in Ward 9 reflected outstanding teamwork among several dedicated leaders. Special acknowledgment goes to Hon. Blessing, the Ajoni Vice Chairman, whose leadership contributed immensely to the coordination of party activities within the ward. Recognition is equally due to the incoming ward councillor, the Oba of Ayebode who contributed tirelessly, and the State Legal Officer of the party, Barr. Adeyeye, whose commitment and strategic support strengthened the party's electoral performance.
The Oba of Oke-ijebu also deserves commendation for his personal and invaluable support following consultations initiated by Chief Abejide to help coordinate the Igbiras residing in the ward. The result achieved in Ward 9 was therefore the product of coordinated leadership rather than individual effort.
WARD 10
Ward 10 equally benefited from effective grassroots coordination. The Incoming Councillor, Jamiu, together with committed members of the Abejide Political Dynasty, worked relentlessly to mobilize voters, sustain party structures, and consolidate support throughout the ward. Their dedication further reinforced the strength of the party across Ikole Local Government.
THE TRUTH ABOUT GRASSROOTS POLITICS
One of the unfortunate developments following the election has been the attempt by certain individuals to appropriate credit for work carried out by others. Political propaganda can influence public perception, but it cannot replace genuine grassroots organization.
A politician who visits a community only a few days before an election cannot legitimately claim ownership of results painstakingly secured through years of relationship-building, service delivery, community engagement, and political organization.
Equally troubling are reports that financial resources meant for grassroots mobilization in certain communities were diverted or withheld from the foot soldiers for whom they were intended. Such actions, if established, betray the sacrifices of those who worked tirelessly to secure victory and undermine the values upon which effective political organization is built.
Recognition should always be based on genuine contribution rather than convenient narratives created after victory has already been secured.
CONCLUSION
This document has been prepared for one purpose only: to preserve the truth.
History should remember that the victory recorded across Eka Mefa and Ikole Local Government was the product of vision, planning, sacrifice, loyalty, and disciplined grassroots mobilization.
It belongs to the youth who walked from community to community canvassing support.
It belongs to the women who organized meetings and mobilized voters.
It belongs to the ward executives who kept the party structures alive.
It belongs to the community leaders who opened their homes for consultations.
It belongs to the non-indigenous residents who placed their confidence in the party.
It belongs to every loyal party member who remained steadfast when there was no certainty of victory.
Above all, it belongs to the leaders who invested years building a political movement capable of inspiring confidence across communities—leaders such as Chief Abejide and the numerous members of the Abejide Political Dynasty, whose enduring commitment to grassroots politics helped lay the foundation upon which this electoral success was built. It should also be noted that all non-indigenes within Eka Mefa and the broader Ikole area were coordinated by members of Abejide political Dynasty.
As we celebrate this victory, let us also celebrate the values that produced it: hard work, loyalty, consistency, service, and unity.
Let us resist every attempt to rewrite history.
Let us continue to strengthen the structures that delivered victory.
And let us never forget that elections are won long before election day—through the confidence of the people, earned by years of sincere engagement and selfless service.
To everyone who laboured for this victory, history will remember your contribution.
May God continue to bless Eka Mefa.
May God bless Ikole Local Government.
May God bless Ekiti State.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
