The South West Independent Campaign Movement (SWICAM) has launched an ambitious campaign to secure 1.5 million votes for Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the upcoming gubernatorial election. The group, which held its maiden congress in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, claims that the South West region, with its high voter turnout potential, can mobilize between 15 to 20 million votes if effectively organized. This comes amid concerns about voter apathy in the region, which the group says is the highest in Nigeria.

Strategies for Mobilization

SWICAM’s strategy focuses on non-party volunteers who are engaging with various segments of the population, including teachers, farmers, students, market vendors, and professionals. According to a communique issued after the congress, the group is using a grassroots approach, visiting communities across the 177 wards in the South West. Volunteers are described as acting like ‘evangelists,’ distributing information, education, and communication materials to raise awareness and encourage voter participation.

The movement has set Ekiti State as the starting point of its campaign. With a population of over 4 million, Ekiti is seen as a key area that can produce a significant portion of the 1.5 million votes needed for Oyebanji’s re-election. The group has recruited young volunteers who are tasked with traveling from one community to another, not just speaking to people but also building relationships and creating a sense of belonging.

Political and Social Context

SWICAM is emphasizing its independence from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which currently governs Ekiti State. The group claims that its campaign is not about supporting a particular party but about preserving democracy and supporting the ongoing process of restructuring the country. According to the communique, the APC has initiated several reforms, including the establishment of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and the initiation of state police, which were not achieved during the 16 years of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rule.

The movement warns that a return to PDP or African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership could be detrimental to Nigeria. It argues that the APC leadership in the region represents the last remnants of progressive governance that have been eroded by military rule and the PDP’s dominance since 1999. SWICAM is urging the people of the South West to support Oyebanji’s re-election as a way to continue the progress made in recent years.

Engagement and Communication

To ensure a broad and inclusive campaign, SWICAM has developed communication tools tailored to different groups, including teachers, traders, civil servants, farmers, students, and professionals. The group has also created information materials in multiple languages, including Igbo, Northern, and Niger-Delta dialects, to reach people from diverse backgrounds living in Ekiti State.

Personal letters will be sent to all 151 traditional rulers in Ekiti State, aiming to build a strong relationship with local leadership. The group emphasizes that personal communication supports a sense of belonging and recognition, which is highly valued in Ekiti society. This approach is seen as a crucial step in changing the region’s voting culture and increasing voter turnout.

SWICAM has described its mission as creating a model shift in the South West. The movement aims to change the tradition of low voter turnout in the region, which it believes has been influenced by political apathy and a lack of engagement. By organizing community-based groups and professional associations, SWICAM hopes to ensure a massive turnout in the June 2026 election and beyond.

Speaking at the event, Adewale Adeoye, a guest speaker and journalist, criticized the false impression that political parties have that dancing and singing at rallies equate to meaningful engagement with the people. He endorsed SWICAM’s initiative, calling it a significant step forward in the region’s political landscape.

The South West region is noted for having one of the fastest-growing populations in Nigeria and a high level of education. The area is also a refuge for many displaced people from across the country, including those from West Africa and the Sahel. This demographic shift is expected to influence the political map of Nigeria, particularly if the region’s population is properly mobilized.

According to the communique, SWICAM is driven by the principle that voting strength influences power and positions. The group believes that the South West, with its large and educated population, has the potential to determine the power equation in Nigeria if effectively organized. The movement aims to ensure that the region’s voting strength reflects its population size and its growing influence in national politics.

As the June 2026 election approaches, SWICAM’s efforts are seen as a critical factor in determining the outcome of the election in Ekiti State and potentially across the South West. The group’s strategy of grassroots engagement and non-party mobilization could set a new precedent for political campaigns in Nigeria.