By Ahmed Akanbi

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has described Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election as a clear endorsement of his leadership, saying the renewed mandate will sustain development, peace and unity in Ekiti State.

Bamidele, who chaired the All Progressives Congress, APC Governorship Election Campaign Council in the state, congratulated Oyebanji in a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, calling the victory “a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti.”

The Returning Officer, Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, announced the results at the collation centre in Ado-Ekiti Sunday morning.

According to her, Oyebanji of the APC polled 319,224 votes while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede came second with 40,543 votes, and Africa Democratic Congress, ADC’s Ambassador Dare Bejide scored 12,872 votes.

Bamidele said Oyebanji’s leadership has fostered peace, unity and stability, transforming Ekiti’s political landscape from “an era often characterised by division, hostility, and toxicity in politics to one defined by cooperation, collaboration and synergy.”

He noted that one of the governor’s most remarkable achievements is uniting political leaders and stakeholders across party lines, including former governors and other influential figures.

“The level of harmony and unity of purpose among the state’s leaders is a rare feat in Nigeria’s political environment,” Bamidele said.

He added that the election outcome “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.”

“Oyebanji made history in Ekiti State as the first governor to be re-elected back-to-back since 1999, a testament to his approach to governance and his ability to unite the state’s stakeholders across party lines,” he stated.

The Senate Leader expressed optimism that Oyebanji’s second term would consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen development initiatives, and further position Ekiti as a model of good governance and political stability.

Bamidele also commended Ekiti people for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election, and thanked the national and state leadership of the APC for providing the platform that delivered Oyebanji’s 319,224 votes.