Ekiti guber poll: INEC declares Oyebanji winner with 319,224 votes

Ekiti gov thanks voters, pledges to deliver more democratic dividends

.Tinubu hails Oyebanji’s victory, urges opposition to rally round re-elected gov

.Oyebanji’s second term will bring more development to Ekiti, says APC

Emeka Agu Jnr with agency reports

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INCE), on Sunday, declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, winner with 319,224 votes.

Oyebanji, according to INEC, defeated his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Wole Oluyede, who scored 40,543 votes.

Mrs Adenike Oladiji, INEC’s Chief Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, announced the result on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti.

She said Oyebanji satisfied all the requirements in the election and was declared elected.

Giving a breakdown, Oladiji said the election had 988, 251 as total number of registered voters and 384, 949 as the total number of accredited voters across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

She gave the total number of votes cast as 382,109 while the total number of rejected votes was 6,332.

Speaking with journalists after the announcement, Sen. Cyril Fasuyi, the APC Collation Agent, urged other contenders to join the governor in building a prosperous state.

“In every contest there will only be one winner.

” I think there should be that sportsmanship spirit with all of them.

“I think nobody is a loser; we understand it’s just for everybody to come on board to support the governor in his developmental drive,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gov Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has expressed gratitude to residents after securing victory in Saturday’s governorship election.

Oyebanji described the result as an endorsement of his administration’s performance and vision for the state.

The governor spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner.

He said the overwhelming support across Ekiti State was “humbling and inspiring” after his victory.

Oyebanji disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had called to congratulate him on the electoral success.

He also reached out to opposition candidates, Dr Wole Oluyede and Amb. Dare Bejide.

The governor said the gesture was aimed at promoting sportsmanship and democratic engagement among stakeholders.

According to him, the results showed that he secured 319,224 votes across the 16 local government areas.

He said he won in virtually all polling units and wards during the keenly contested election.

 “This makes the election one of the most remarkable political outcomes in Ekiti State’s history,” Oyebanji said.

The governor said the mandate was a clear message from voters and a renewed confidence.

He pledged that his administration would intensify efforts to deliver more democratic dividends.

Oyebanji noted that the election differed from previous cycles often marked by tension and violence.

He praised Ekiti people for demonstrating political maturity, harmony and commitment to peaceful democracy.

The governor commended voters for their turnout and confidence in his administration’s achievements.

He promised to accelerate projects aimed at improving welfare and expanding economic opportunities.

Oyebanji said his government would continue programmes targeted at reducing poverty across the state.

He appreciated APC leaders, campaign teams, volunteers and supporters for their contributions.

The governor also thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders, artisans and labour unions.

He acknowledged market women and persons living with disabilities for supporting his campaign.

Oyebanji praised security agencies, INEC officials and observers for ensuring credible elections.

He said their commitment contributed significantly to the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

The governor thanked Tinubu, Oluremi Tinubu, Kashim Shettima and National Assembly members.

He also appreciated fellow governors, his deputy and family for their support, reaffirming his commitment to serving Ekiti with greater dedication in his new term.

Also, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on his re-election but told the opposition to rally around him.

Tinubu’s comment came in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who said the “resounding victory” in Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election is “a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance”.

“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,” Onanuga’s statement read in part

“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.”

He said that the Ekiti governor’s first term was “marked by significant strides in infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare, and rural development under the BAO agenda”.

“The renewed mandate is therefore a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance,” he said.

Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the Ekiti State Government to deliver more dividends of democracy and accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda across Nigeria.

He prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and good health for Oyebanji as he continues to serve as the leader of the South-West State.

 

Reacting to Gov Oyebanji’s victory, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said his second term will deliver more development and improved living conditions for residents of Ekiti State.

In a statement on Sunday, Felix Morka, APC national publicity secretary, congratulated Oyebanji on his re-election in Saturday’s governorship poll.

Morka described the outcome of the poll as a historic achievement and a reflection of the confidence reposed in the governor by the people of Ekiti.

According to the APC spokesperson, Oyebanji has become the first incumbent governor to secure re-election in the state’s contemporary democratic history.

He said the victory was an endorsement of the governor’s leadership, policies, and commitment to the development of Ekiti.

“Governor Oyebanji’s victory is epic as he becomes the first incumbent governor to win reelection in the state’s contemporary democratic history,” the statement reads.

“This win is a loud demonstration of the confidence of Ekiti people in Governor Oyebanji, his visionary leadership, people-centred policies, and unflinching commitment to the development and progress of the state.”

Morka also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders involved in the conduct of the election.

He noted that their professionalism contributed to the successful conduct of the poll.

“We applaud the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and all oversight stakeholders whose dedication and professionalism contributed to the successful conduct of the election,” he said.

Morka said the ruling party also thanked Ekiti residents for their peaceful conduct and active participation throughout the electoral process.

He added that the APC remains grateful to the people of Ekiti for their support and endorsement of the party’s policies and progressive ideals.

He expressed confidence that Oyebanji’s second term would consolidate ongoing achievements and expand the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda in the state.

“We are confident that Governor Oyebanji’s second term will deliver more development and improved living conditions for the people as he expands the achievement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative renewed hope agenda in the state,” he said.