2027: Ekiti traditional chiefs target one million votes for Tinubu
By Boye Oyeyemi
Traditional title holders in Ekiti State have pledged to mobilise one million votes for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing his administration’s infrastructure projects, political appointments and efforts to tackle insecurity.
The pledge was made on Tuesday by the Association of Ekiti Traditional Chieftaincy Title Holders at a gathering hosted by the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Oyetunde Ojo, in Ekiti State.
The association’s Chairman, Chief Oluwole Ogunsakin, said members would use their influence across communities, villages and families to encourage eligible voters to support Tinubu in the next presidential election. He, however, stressed that the mobilisation would be based on voluntary participation, peaceful political engagement and respect for voters’ freedom of choice.
Ogunsakin added that achieving the one-million-vote target would require proper coordination among members. He also called for greater involvement of traditional chiefs in addressing insecurity, arguing that their closeness to residents positioned them to strengthen community policing.
He urged the government to involve traditional rulers in screening and recommending credible candidates for recruitment into the proposed state police system, saying their knowledge of local communities could help improve security.
Speaking at the gathering, Ojo described the scale of infrastructure development under Tinubu as remarkable, comparing it with projects executed during the administration of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon. He also said some of the roads being constructed were designed to last between 30 and 40 years.
The former House of Representatives member further cited the ongoing construction of a military barracks in Ikere-Ekiti as an intervention expected to improve security, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities. Former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni, also urged political stakeholders to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition, while former federal lawmaker, Bimbo Daramola, expressed confidence in the President’s electoral prospects in the state, projecting a 90 per cent vote delivery.
A major highlight of the gathering was the conferment of a patron title on Ojo in recognition of his contributions to community development, philanthropic activities and relationship with traditional institutions.
