The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election as Governor of Ekiti State, describing the victory as a strong endorsement of the governor’s leadership and governance record.
Oyebanji secured a second term in office after emerging victorious in Saturday’s governorship election, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, who garnered 40,543 votes.
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Oluwadare Bejide, finished third with 12,872 votes.
Bamidele, who served as chairman of the All Progressives Congress Governorship Election Campaign Council, said the outcome reflected the trust and confidence Ekiti residents have in Oyebanji’s administration.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, the Senate Leader described the governor’s re-election as “a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti”.
According to him, the election result demonstrated broad public approval of Oyebanji’s commitment to good governance, public service delivery and the welfare of the people.
“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 at large,” Bamidele stated.
He credited the governor with promoting political stability, peace and unity in the state through a consensus-building approach that has brought together political leaders and stakeholders across party lines.
Bamidele also praised Oyebanji for sustaining cordial relationships with former governors and other influential figures in Ekiti politics, noting that the collaborative atmosphere had strengthened governance and reduced political tensions.
The Senate Leader expressed confidence that the governor’s renewed mandate would ensure continuity in government programmes while accelerating ongoing reforms and development initiatives across the state.
He further described the victory as a landmark achievement in the state’s democratic journey, noting that Oyebanji had become the first governor in Ekiti to secure back-to-back re-election since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Bamidele also commended residents of the state for conducting themselves peacefully during the election and applauded the leadership of the All Progressives Congress for its support throughout the campaign period.
He said the peaceful conduct of voters and stakeholders contributed significantly to the successful outcome of the election and reinforced confidence in the democratic process.
