Aniefiok Christopher
Nigerian’s President Bola Tinubu and Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele have felicitated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his victory in the Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election.
The President hailed the people of Ekiti State for what he described as their “peaceful and orderly conduct, and for reposing their trust in Oyebanji.”
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised security agencies for maintaining law and order during the poll.
He charged the Independent National Electoral Commission to continue improving on the conduct of peaceful, free, fair and credible elections ahead of the Osun governorship election in August and the 2027 general elections.
“With his overwhelming victory in the election, Oyebanji has emerged as the first governor in the history of Ekiti State to win re-election back-to-back,” the statement said.
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The President noted that Oyebanji’s first term recorded significant progress in infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare and rural development under the BAO agenda.
According to him, the renewed mandate represents “a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability and people-centred governance.”
Tinubu urged the governor to remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all stakeholders along in consolidating on his achievements in the next four years.
He also commended other candidates who participated in the election, saying it was now time for them to support the governor in the interest of Ekiti State.
“The President also commends all those who contested the election with the governor for exercising their democratic rights, saying it is now time to rally round Oyebanji in the task of taking Ekiti to the next level of governance,” the statement added.
Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the Ekiti State Government to deliver more dividends of democracy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also prayed for wisdom, strength and good health for the governor as he continues to serve the people of Ekiti State.
Bamidele congratulates Oyebanji
Meanwhile, leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, also congratulated the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election, describing it as a clear endorsement of his leadership and governance records.
Bamidele, who chaired the APC Governorship Election Campaign Council in Ekiti State, said Oyebanji’s renewed mandate would guarantee continuity in the delivery of impactful governance and accelerate the pace of development across the state.
He congratulated Oyebanji and the APC in a statement issued by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday, saying the victory “is a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti”.
Congratulating Oyebanji on Sunday, Bamidele said his leadership has fostered peace, unity and stability in Ekiti State, which had transformed the state’s political landscape from an era often characterised by division, hostility, and toxicity in politics to one defined by cooperation, collaboration and synergy in driving public governance.
According to Bamidele, one of the most remarkable achievements of the governor has been his ability to unite political leaders and stakeholders across party lines, creating a shared vision for the advancement of the state.
He particularly commended Oyebanji for building strong and resilient relationships with the state’s former governors and other influential political figures, describing the level of harmony and unity of purpose among the state’s leaders as a rare feat in Nigeria’s political environment.
He explained that the outcome of the election “perfectly reflects the confidence of the people in Oyebanji’s leadership, commitment to public governance, and dedication to the welfare and prosperity of Ekiti people at large.
“Oyebanji’s approach to governance and politics significantly contributed to his re-election. He made history in Ekiti State as the first governor to be re-elected back-to-back since 1999, a testament to his approach to governance and his ability to unite the state’s stakeholders across party lines,” Bamidele said.
He expressed optimism that the governor’s second term would consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen development initiatives, and further position Ekiti State as a model of good governance and political stability in the country.
Bamidele also thanked the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election and for demonstrating their faith in democracy through their active participation in the electoral process.
He equally thanked the national and state leadership of APC for providing a vibrant platform and much-needed support that contributed the victory.
Oyebanji thanks Ekiti people
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji described his re-election for a second term as a humbling vote of confidence from the people, pledging
In a statement issued after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of Saturday’s governorship election, Oyebanji said the people of Ekiti had overwhelmingly endorsed continuity, stability and development.
He expressed gratitude to residents for delivering what he described as a historic mandate, noting that the outcome reflected the collective aspirations of the people.
“The voice of the people has reverberated from every part of our great state, and the message is clear.
“I am deeply humbled by the scale of this victory. Securing a clean sweep across all 16 local government areas and 85 per cent of the popular vote is a humbling vote of confidence from Ekiti Kete.
“From our urban centres to our most remote communities, you have spoken with one thunderous voice for continuous development, stability and a future of endless opportunities,” he said.
The governor pledged to use the renewed mandate to further expand the reach of governance and improve the lives of residents across the state.
“This mandate means that our work must touch every household even deeper. There are no winners or losers today; there is only one united Ekiti determined to continue its journey of upward mobility.
“I pledge to honour this immense trust by continuing to lead with humility, dedication and fairness,” Oyebanji added.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Returning Officer, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, announced the result at about 3:13 a.m. on Sunday, declaring Oyebanji winner after he secured 319,224 votes in the election conducted across the state’s 16 local government areas.
According to Oladiji, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Oluwole Oluyede, polled 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress garnered 12,872 votes.
She added that 384,940 voters were accredited for the election, with 375,777 valid votes recorded and 6,332 rejected ballots, bringing the total votes cast to 382,109.
The election, which was largely peaceful, concluded a closely watched contest marked by reports of technical challenges and allegations of irregularities in some locations.
