Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged to strengthen development efforts and improve the quality of life of residents after securing a second term mandate in the 2026 governorship election. The governor made the commitment after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared him the winner of the election, describing the victory as a reflection of the confidence and support of Ekiti people. Oyebanji, who contested under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the outcome of the election represents more than a political victory, but a renewed responsibility to deliver stronger governance, expand opportunities, and ensure that development reaches communities across the state. According to the governor, the renewed mandate shows that residents are seeking continuity, stability, and sustained progress. He promised that his administration would focus on policies and projects that directly impact families and local communities. “This mandate means that our work must touch every household even deeper,” Oyebanji stated, emphasizing that the next phase of his administration would prioritize wider public benefits. INEC Announces Final Election Results The electoral commission declared Oyebanji winner in the early hours of Sunday, with the Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, announcing the final results at about 3:13 a.m. The APC candidate recorded a total of 319,224 votes to defeat his major challengers. Dr. Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came second with 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) finished third with 12,872 votes. INEC reported that 384,940 voters were accredited for the election. The commission recorded 375,777 valid votes, while 6,332 votes were rejected, bringing the total number of votes cast to 382,109. Governor Calls for Unity After Election Following the announcement, Oyebanji urged residents to move beyond political divisions and focus on collective efforts toward building the future of Ekiti State. He said the election should not be viewed as a contest with permanent winners and losers, but as a democratic process where the interest of the people remains the priority. The governor noted that support came from different parts of the state, including urban and rural communities, describing the result as an indication of the people’s desire for peace, economic growth, and improved opportunities. What the Second Term Means for Ekiti The governor’s second term is expected to place greater attention on areas such as infrastructure, economic development, public services, and grassroots projects. Political observers say the renewed mandate also places higher expectations on the administration, as residents will be looking for stronger delivery and measurable results during the next phase of governance. Oyebanji assured citizens that he would continue leading with humility, fairness, and commitment to public service as he begins another chapter in his leadership of the state.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has secured a major victory at the polling unit of Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during the state’s governorship election, reinforcing the strong support base of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area. The result, announced by the Presiding Officer, Mrs Elizabeth Oregbemeh, showed that Oyebanji received 164 votes at the polling unit, while his closest rival, Dr Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recorded eight votes. The Action Democratic Party (ADP) candidate, Mr Ayodeji Ojo, polled one vote, according to the officially announced figures. The outcome placed the APC candidate far ahead of other contenders at the polling location, which is closely associated with Senator Bamidele, a prominent political figure in Ekiti and the current Senate Leader. Speaking earlier during the voting exercise, Senator Bamidele expressed satisfaction with the election process, describing the turnout of voters across Ekiti State as encouraging. He also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as an effective arrangement in deploying election officials and materials across the state’s 16 local government areas. The election attracted attention as residents across Ekiti participated in deciding the next political direction of the state. INEC figures indicated that Ekiti had 1,059,360 registered voters, while 1,028,929 voters collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the election. The strong performance recorded by Oyebanji at the Senate Leader’s polling unit adds to the wider political assessment of the APC’s popularity among voters, especially in areas linked to influential party stakeholders. As vote counting continues across different polling locations, political observers are watching the final results to determine whether the governor’s early gains reflect a broader statewide trend. The election is expected to shape the next phase of governance in Ekiti, with attention focused on voter participation, transparency of the process, and the final declaration by electoral authorities.
