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.
