…Tinubu, others hail victory
… ‘Election is over, let’s work together,’ Oyebanji urges PDP, ADC
By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, pulled a resounding victory in Saturday’s 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election, winning all 16 local government areas (LGAs) from the results announced at about 3:13 a.m. on Sunday by the Returning Officer for the election, Adenike Oladiji.
Oyebanji, who made history as the first governor of Ekiti State to be reelected back-to-back, secured a total of 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rivals in the contest, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, who scored 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 12,872 votes.
Following his victory, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) governor for his overwhelming victory.
In his message, Tinubu commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful and orderly conduct, and for reposing their trust in Oyebanji.
While also commending the law enforcement agencies for maintaining law and order, Tinubu charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to invest in conducting a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election as the Osun governorship election in August and the general election next year approach.
Tinubu noted that Oyebanji’s first term was marked by significant strides in infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare, and rural development under the BAO agenda.
The renewed mandate is, therefore, a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance.
Tinubu urged Oyebanji to remain magnanimous in victory, and to carry all Ekiti people along as he consolidates on his achievements in the next four years.
The President also commended all those who contested the election with the governor for exercising their democratic rights, saying it is now time to rally round Oyebanji in the task of taking Ekiti to the next level of governance.
Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the Ekiti State Government to deliver more dividends of democracy and accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda across Nigeria.
He prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and good health for Oyebanji as he continues to serve the good people of Ekiti State.
In his congratulatory message, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that Oyebanji’s victor was the reward for his outstanding performance.
“I congratulate my dear brother, Gov Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, for emerging victorious in yesterday’s governorship election. I also congratulate his running mate, Mrs Monisade Afuye, on her re-election.
“Oyebanji’s victory in the governorship poll with 83.54 per cent of the total votes cast is a reward for performance and outstanding delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti during his first term.
“The result is a clear testament to the trust and confidence the people of Ekiti have in his administration and leadership,” Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, said.
Sanwo-Olu also urged the Ekiti governor to remain committed to delivering more dividends of democracy to the people during his second term.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his message, noted that Oyebanji’s reelection was not just for the APC, but also a testament to the enduring bond between leadership and the people.
”On behalf of the Government and people of Ogun State, I heartily congratulate my dear brother and colleague, His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, on his resounding victory at the Ekiti State governorship election.
”This overwhelming mandate is a clear affirmation of the confidence the good people of Ekiti State have in your visionary leadership, remarkable achievements, and unwavering commitment to the development and prosperity of the state. The impressive margin of victory reflects the trust and support you have earned through purposeful governance and people-oriented policies.
”Your reelection is not only a victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but also a testament to the enduring bond between leadership and the people. I have no doubt that your second term will consolidate on the gains already recorded and usher in even greater progress for Ekiti State.
”I wish you continued wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as you continue to serve the people of Ekiti State. Congratulations once again, Your Excellency,” Abiodun wrote in his official Facebook Page on Sunday.
In a terse message on their X handle, @OfficialAPCNg, the APC Nigeria wrote: “Congratulations, Your Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji @biodunaoyebanji, on your resounding re-election as Governor of Ekiti State.”
Others that congratulated Oyebanji include: the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; the former Governor of Ekiti State, Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and the Osun APC.
In his victory speech in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, Oyebanji extended what he described as “hands of fellowship” to his opponents in the election, including the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dare Bejide, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, saying the election was over, and governance must now take precedence.
“I have called them personally and discussions are ongoing. The election is over. What is important now is how we move Ekiti State forward together. We are all stakeholders in the progress of our dear state.
“As you are aware, the electoral umpire, through its Returning Officer, has announced me as the winner of the 2026 governorship election. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and unequivocally. They have spoken not in muffled voices but in a thunderous roar. We have heard them clearly and we accept the challenge that this historic mandate has placed on our shoulders.
“This is not just a watershed moment; it is a remarkable transformation in our political culture. Unlike previous electoral cycles marked by violence and tension, this election was conducted peacefully without a single incident of violence. Ekiti has demonstrated that politics can be conducted in an atmosphere of harmony, civility and mutual respect.
“By October, Ekiti will be 30 years old. This is the first time in our history that a sitting governor will be re-elected back-to-back. Ekiti people are politically enlightened. They know what works for them and they know when to change a government that is not performing. If they have chosen to re-employ us, it means we are doing something right.
”We entered into a contract with the people based on our six pillars of governance. Over the last four years, we have faithfully implemented programmes and projects across these thematic areas.
”The people have seen the difference and they have renewed our mandate. They have decided that there is no reason to abandon a team that is delivering value.
“This victory is a validation of the President’s administration and a vote of confidence in his leadership by the people of Ekiti. I have no doubt that an even better outcome will be recorded for him in Ekiti during the 2027 presidential election,” Oyebanji stated.