ADO-EKITI, June 23, 2026 — Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Tuesday officially received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his decisive victory in last Saturday’s governorship election, and pledged to deepen development efforts across the state under his administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda.

The presentation ceremony took place at the INEC State Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, where the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, represented the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joseph Amupitan, in handing over the certificate to the governor-elect.

Speaking during the event, Omoseyindemi congratulated Oyebanji on his re-election and commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.

He noted that the successful conduct of the governorship poll reflected the collective commitment of INEC, security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders to strengthening democratic governance and electoral integrity in the state.

The REC urged political actors to continue promoting democratic values and sustaining the peaceful political atmosphere that characterized the election.

The ceremony attracted a large gathering of APC leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, supporters and other dignitaries who witnessed the formal issuance of the certificate.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebanji expressed profound gratitude to the people of Ekiti State for renewing his mandate, describing the outcome of the election as a victory for democracy, good governance and sustainable development.

The governor said the overwhelming support he received from voters signified public confidence in his administration’s performance and vision for the future of the state.

He described his re-election as a historic achievement, noting that he had become the first governor in Ekiti State’s political history to secure consecutive electoral victories through the ballot.

According to him, the renewed mandate carries a greater responsibility to deliver more impactful governance and improve the welfare of citizens across all sectors.

Oyebanji assured residents that he would not take their trust and confidence for granted, pledging to remain committed to transparent, people-oriented leadership.

The governor also used the occasion to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his support and commitment to democratic principles, stating that the President’s leadership continues to inspire confidence in governance and national development.

He equally acknowledged the contributions of leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, youth groups, women organizations, security agencies and election officials for ensuring the peaceful and successful conduct of the election.

Describing the victory as a renewed call to service, Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policies and programmes that promote inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

He pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded during his first term and further expand the state’s Shared Prosperity Agenda through increased investments in critical sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and job creation.

“Our renewed mandate is a call to greater service, greater dedication and greater commitment to the welfare of our people. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every resident of Ekiti benefits from the gains of development and prosperity,” the governor stated.

With the presentation of the Certificate of Return, Oyebanji is now set to begin preparations for his second term in office, with expectations high among residents that his administration will build on existing accomplishments and accelerate the pace of development across the state.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has praised Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, for his exceptional leadership and strategic coordination during the Ekiti State governorship election campaign.

Akpabio during the Tuesday plenary described Bamidele’s role as instrumental in securing the decisive victory of the All Progressives Congress candidate and incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in the just-concluded governorship election.

According to the Senate President, the successful campaign reflected Bamidele’s commitment, political experience, and ability to mobilize support across the state, contributing significantly to the APC’s triumph at the polls.

The commendation comes as party leaders and supporters continue to celebrate Oyebanji’s re-election, which many have described as a strong endorsement of his administration’s developmental agenda and governance record in Ekiti State.

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.