Ekiti 2026: ‘People’s voice echoed again’ – Oyebanji 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has assured residents that his second term in office will bring greater development and improved welfare to households across the state.

Oyebanji made the pledge shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared him winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

The governor, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, described the outcome of the poll as a profound expression of confidence and trust from the people of Ekiti State.

According to him, the election result reflected the desire of residents for continuity, peace, stability and sustained development.

He stated that the overwhelming support he received at the poll has placed a greater responsibility on his administration to intensify efforts toward delivering the dividends of democracy to more communities and citizens.

Oyebanji said the renewed mandate goes beyond political success, stressing that it represents a call to deepen governance and development at the grassroots level.

“This mandate means that our work must touch every household even deeper,” the governor said.

He added that the election should not be seen in terms of winners and losers, urging all residents of the state to unite in the collective pursuit of progress and development.

The governor noted that Ekiti people had spoken with one voice across both urban and rural communities, saying the result emphasize their commitment to growth, peace and economic opportunities.

Oyebanji also pledged to continue leading the state with humility, fairness and dedication to service.

INEC Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, officially declared Oyebanji winner at about 3:13 a.m. on Sunday.

Oladiji, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, announced that the APC candidate secured 319,224 votes.

His closest rival, Dr Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, polled 40,543 votes, while Mr Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, came third with 12,872 votes.

INEC further disclosed that 384,940 voters were accredited for the election.

According to the commission, a total of 375,777 valid votes were recorded, while 6,332 ballots were rejected, bringing the total number of votes cast to 382,109.