Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on his re-election, describing the victory as a strong endorsement of the governor’s leadership and governance record.
Bamidele, who chaired the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Election Campaign Council in the state, said Oyebanji’s renewed mandate would ensure continuity in governance, accelerate development and sustain the peace and unity currently being enjoyed in Ekiti State.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, the Senate Leader described the outcome of the election as “a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti.”
The Returning Officer for the election and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji, announced the final results at the collation centre in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday.
According to the results, Oyebanji secured 319,224 votes to emerge victorious, while the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Wole Oluyede, polled 40,543 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Mr. Dare Bejide, came third with 12,872 votes.
Reacting to the outcome, Bamidele said the governor’s leadership had fostered peace, unity and stability in the state, transforming Ekiti’s political environment from one often marked by division and hostility to one characterised by cooperation and collective progress.
He noted that one of Oyebanji’s major achievements was his ability to unite political leaders and stakeholders across party lines around a common vision for the development of the state.
The Senate Leader particularly commended the governor for maintaining cordial relationships with former governors and other key political actors, describing the level of harmony among the state’s leaders as uncommon in Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to him, the election result reflected the confidence reposed in Oyebanji by the people of the state.
“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 said.
He added that Oyebanji’s style of governance and inclusive politics played a significant role in securing his re-election.
“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.
Bamidele expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen development initiatives and further strengthen Ekiti’s reputation as a model of good governance and political stability.
He also commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process and for demonstrating faith in democracy through active participation in the election.
The Senate Leader further appreciated the national and state leadership of the APC for providing the support and platform that contributed to the party’s victory at the poll.
