Group Sets 1.5 Million Vote Target for Oyebanji in Ekiti Gubernatorial Poll

A newly formed political organisation, the South West Independent Campaign Movement (SWICAM), has launched a campaign aimed at securing 1.5 million votes for Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming Ekiti State gubernatorial election.

The group’s National Coordinator, Suleiman Olubayo, said the movement would adopt a non-party approach, relying on volunteers to mobilise support across various sectors, including teachers, farmers, students, market women, and professional associations.

Citing the state’s population of over four million, Mr Olubayo expressed confidence that the target was attainable. He noted that the campaign would begin in Ekiti before extending to other parts of the South West, with the aim of reshaping voting patterns across the region.

Speaking at the launch, a guest speaker, Adewale Adeoye, stressed the importance of adopting more effective campaign strategies. He criticised the over-reliance on political rallies and cash inducements, calling instead for meaningful engagement with strategic groups and associations to drive voter participation.

As part of its strategy, SWICAM said it would reach out to traditional rulers, produce targeted communication materials, and work closely with community-based organisations to realise its objectives.