*No losers, all Ekiti are winners, he said
Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has described his re-election for a second term as a humbling vote of confidence from the people of the state, pledging renewed commitment to inclusive governance and accelerated development across all sectors.
Speaking after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of Saturday’s governorship election, Oyebanji said the outcome reflected the strong desire of Ekiti residents for continuity, stability, and sustained progress.
He expressed deep appreciation to the electorate for what he called a historic mandate, noting that his victory across all 16 local government areas of the state demonstrated a united voice for development and good governance.
Oyebanji said he was overwhelmed by the level of support he received from voters, stressing that the margin of victory showed a strong endorsement of his administration’s policies.
“The voice of the people has reverberated from every part of our great state, and the message is clear,” he said.
“I am deeply humbled by the scale of this victory. Securing a clean sweep across all 16 local government areas and about 85 per cent of the popular vote is a humbling vote of confidence from Ekiti Kete.
“From our urban centres to our most remote communities, you have spoken with one thunderous voice for continuous development, stability and a future of endless opportunities.”
He added that the outcome of the election reflected the collective aspiration of Ekiti people for progress and continuity in governance.
The governor urged residents and political stakeholders to see the election outcome as a unifying moment rather than a divisive one.
According to him, elections should strengthen democracy and promote unity rather than create division among citizens.
“This mandate means that our work must touch every household even deeper. There are no winners or losers today; there is only one united Ekiti determined to continue its journey of upward mobility,” Oyebanji said.
He called on all political actors, including those who contested against him, to join hands in building a stronger and more prosperous state.
Oyebanji pledged to use his renewed mandate to expand governance reach and ensure that development projects and policies benefit all communities across Ekiti State.
He assured residents that his administration would remain focused on infrastructure development, economic growth, education, healthcare, and social welfare.
“I pledge to honour this immense trust by continuing to lead with humility, dedication and fairness,” he said.
The governor further emphasized that his second term would prioritize consolidation of ongoing projects while introducing new initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens.
Earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, officially declared Oyebanji winner at about 3:13 a.m. on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti.
According to INEC, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured 12,872 votes.
The commission also revealed that 384,940 voters were accredited, with 375,777 valid votes cast and 6,332 rejected ballots, bringing total votes cast to 382,109.
INEC described the election as largely peaceful, noting that the process reflected the will of the electorate across the state’s 16 local government areas.
While minor logistical challenges were reported in some areas, the commission maintained that the overall exercise met democratic standards.
Oyebanji’s victory secures him another four-year term in office, as he continues his administration’s development agenda aimed at consolidating gains recorded in his first term and expanding opportunities for residents across Ekiti State.
