The governor described his victory as unprecedented in Ekiti’s political history, noting that he won in all wards and local governments
KANo —
President Bola Tinubu and prominent political leaders across Nigeria have congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on his re-election victory in Saturday’s governorship poll, as the governor pledged to foster unity by reaching out to his political opponents.
Oyebanji secured a decisive mandate after polling 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challengers, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 40,533 votes, and Ambassador Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who scored 12,872 votes.
The results, announced on Sunday at the collation centre in Ado-Ekiti, confirmed Oyebanji’s dominance across all 16 local government areas of the state.
The Returning Officer for the election and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof Adenike Oladiji, declared Oyebanji the winner after collating results from the 177 wards in the state.
He disclosed that he had already initiated contact with the candidates of the PDP and ADC, adding that he planned to meet with them personally.
“A while ago, Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, called to congratulate me after the official announcement of the election,” Oyebanji told journalists.
“I have also called the candidates of the PDP, Dr Oluyede, and ADC, Ambassador Dare Bejide. I intend to visit them to discuss the future of our dear state.”
He attributed the outcome to the trust and unity demonstrated by the electorate.
“You have spoken loudly and unequivocally, and I have heard you clearly,” he said.
“We have accepted the challenge that this unity mandate has thrown upon us. Your electoral preferment is truly humbling, and we do not take it for granted.”he added
Oyebanji emphasised that the election outcome signalled the beginning of a new political culture in Ekiti, rooted in consensus-building, peace, and harmony.
He assured residents that his administration would remain focused on delivering good governance and improving the welfare of the people.
In his reaction, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Oyebanji on his victory and urged him to remain magnanimous in triumph by embracing all segments of the state’s population, regardless of political affiliations.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the renewed mandate as a call to deepen inclusive governance and consolidate on the achievements recorded during Oyebanji’s first term.
“President Tinubu urges Governor Oyebanji to remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all Ekiti people along as he consolidates on his achievements in the next four years,” the statement read.
Tinubu commended the people of Ekiti State for conducting a peaceful and orderly election, while also praising security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the process.
The President noted that Oyebanji’s victory made him the first governor in Ekiti State’s history to win back-to-back re-election, describing the outcome as a clear endorsement of his administration’s policies and programmes.
According to Tinubu, the governor’s first term witnessed significant progress in infrastructure development, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare, and rural development under his BAO agenda.
He described the re-election as a vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Oyebanji and the people of Ekiti State, describing the victory as a reflection of effective leadership and strong performance.
Uzodimma, who spoke to journalists at the Ekiti State Government House shortly after the announcement of results, said the outcome demonstrated the electorate’s confidence in Oyebanji’s administration.
“As a party, we are delighted. We congratulate Governor Oyebanji on this remarkable victory and on the excellent performance he has delivered in Ekiti State,” he said.
He also commended President Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that the overwhelming support received by Oyebanji reflected the growing acceptance of the party’s policies across the country.
“The massive turnout of our supporters in Ekiti and their overwhelming support for our governor is a clear demonstration of confidence in his leadership,” Uzodimma added.
The Imo State governor further praised the administration of President Tinubu, stating that its policies were gradually yielding positive results.
Also lending his voice, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as well deserved and a testament to the governor’s popularity among Ekiti residents.
Abiodun said he had long been confident of Oyebanji’s chances, citing his performance in office and connection with the people.
“This is democracy at work. The people of Ekiti have spoken through their votes, and their choice reflects their love and trust for Governor Oyebanji,” he said.
He commended the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as free, fair, and transparent. According to him, the orderly process and impressive voter turnout underscored the maturity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
“I rejoice with Governor Oyebanji, the people of Ekiti State, and members of the APC across the country,” Abiodun added.
As Ekiti prepares for another four years under Oyebanji’s leadership, attention is expected to shift toward how the governor will build on his first-term achievements while addressing emerging challenges in the state.
For many residents, the overwhelming electoral mandate presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for the administration to deliver on its promises and justify the confidence reposed in it by the electorate.
