Re-elected Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has described his victory in the 2026 governorship election as a renewed call to service, pledging to lead the state with humility, compassion, and the fear of God as he begins preparations for a second term in office.

Speaking after emerging victorious in the governorship poll, the governor expressed profound gratitude to the people of Ekiti State for the confidence they reposed in his administration through their votes, assuring residents that the renewed mandate would translate into even greater commitment to good governance and development.

Oyebanji said the outcome of the election was not merely a political triumph but a solemn responsibility entrusted to him by the people, stressing that he fully understands the expectations that come with the overwhelming support he received at the polls.

According to him, the victory has placed a greater burden of service on his shoulders and strengthened his resolve to work tirelessly for the progress, prosperity, and well-being of all Ekiti citizens.

“I have a proper understanding of the responsibility that this victory has placed on my shoulders. It is a responsibility of service to the people of Ekiti State,” the governor stated.

The governor assured residents that his administration would remain focused on delivering quality governance, expanding economic opportunities, strengthening infrastructure, and improving the welfare of citizens across the state.

He emphasized that the renewed mandate would serve as motivation for his government to intensify efforts in meeting the aspirations of the people, adding that Ekiti residents should expect improved performance and more impactful policies in the years ahead.

Oyebanji also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the state’s long-term development blueprint, noting that the government would continue the implementation of its strategic development agenda while remaining flexible enough to embrace new ideas and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

“We have a development guide and we will continue to faithfully implement that plan. Our focus remains the comprehensive implementation of our development agenda for the benefit of all Ekiti people,” he said.

The governor pledged that his second term would be driven by inclusive governance, accountability, and sustained development, assuring the people that their trust would not be taken for granted.

He further called for unity and continued support from all stakeholders, irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that the task of building a more prosperous Ekiti State requires collective effort and shared commitment.

Oyebanji’s re-election is widely seen as an endorsement of his administration’s policies and leadership style, with supporters expressing confidence that the governor will consolidate on the achievements recorded during his first term while advancing new initiatives aimed at accelerating development across the state.

The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on his re-election victory, describing the outcome as a resounding endorsement of the governor’s leadership style, governance record, and commitment to the development of the state.

Bamidele, who served as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Election Campaign Council for the Ekiti governorship poll, said the renewed mandate granted to Oyebanji by the electorate would ensure continuity in governance, accelerate ongoing development initiatives, and further strengthen peace and unity across the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, the Senate Leader described the victory as “a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti,” noting that the election result reflected the confidence of the people in the governor’s administration.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier declared Oyebanji winner of the governorship election after polling 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challengers.

Announcing the result at the state collation centre in Ado-Ekiti, the Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji, said the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Wole Oluyede, secured 40,543 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Mr. Dare Bejide, garnered 12,872 votes.

Reacting to the outcome, Bamidele said Oyebanji’s administration had transformed Ekiti’s political environment by fostering peace, stability, and cooperation among political leaders and stakeholders, irrespective of partisan affiliations.

According to him, the governor’s ability to build bridges across political divides and promote inclusive governance played a crucial role in securing the overwhelming support of voters during the election.

He noted that one of the defining features of Oyebanji’s leadership had been his success in uniting political actors across the state around a common development agenda.

The Senate Leader particularly praised the governor for maintaining cordial relationships with former governors and other influential political figures in Ekiti, describing the prevailing atmosphere of unity and collaboration among the state’s leaders as uncommon in Nigeria’s often polarised political landscape.

Bamidele said the election result was a clear reflection of public trust in the governor’s vision and performance.

“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,” he said.

He further observed that Oyebanji’s governance style and consensus-building approach had distinguished him from his predecessors, adding that the governor had now achieved a historic milestone in the state’s democratic journey.

“Oyebanji made history in Ekiti State as the first governor to secure back-to-back re-election since 1999. This achievement is a testament to his inclusive style of governance and his ability to unite stakeholders across political lines in pursuit of the collective interest of the state,” Bamidele stated.

The Senate Leader expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen socio-economic development programmes, attract more investments, and further position Ekiti as a model of political stability and good governance in Nigeria.

He also commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process, noting that their commitment to democratic values contributed significantly to the success of the election.

Bamidele thanked voters across the state for turning out to exercise their civic responsibility and for demonstrating confidence in the APC administration through their overwhelming support for the governor.

He equally appreciated the national and state leadership of the APC for providing the platform, coordination, and support that helped secure the party’s decisive victory at the polls.

The Senate Leader said the massive margin of victory recorded by Oyebanji underscored the acceptance of the governor’s administration and reaffirmed the APC’s dominance in Ekiti politics.

With the re-election secured, Bamidele said the focus should now shift towards sustaining the gains already recorded and ensuring that the next four years deliver even greater progress, prosperity, and development for the people of Ekiti State.

Governor of Kaduna State and Chairman of the Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Organisation, Uba Sani, has described the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election as a referendum on the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the popularity of the APC in the state.

Speaking during a tour of polling units across Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, Sani expressed confidence that the outcome of the election would further strengthen public confidence in both the Tinubu administration and the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

According to him, the election provides an opportunity for the people of Ekiti to assess the achievements of the APC-led governments at both the federal and state levels.

“This election will be a referendum on the works of President Tinubu and the performance of the Oyebanji administration in Ekiti State,” Sani said.

The Kaduna governor also downplayed the strength of opposition parties in the state, stating that their presence was more visible on social media than on the ground among voters.

Sani was accompanied by the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, during the visit.

As part of the tour, the governor led journalists to the APC Situation Room, where party officials are monitoring and collating election results.

He explained that the party is deploying artificial intelligence-enabled systems to track voting outcomes and verify information received from the field alongside reports from officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The governorship election is being conducted across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State, with voters deciding who will lead the state for the next four years. APC leaders have expressed optimism that the party will secure victory based on what they describe as the achievements of both the Tinubu administration and the Oyebanji government.