Oyebanji Promises Better Service After Landslide Re-Election Victory In Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed profound gratitude to the people of the state for re-electing him for a second term in office, pledging to work harder, smarter, and deliver even greater dividends of democracy to the people.

Governor Oyebanji made the pledge on Sunday during his acceptance speech at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of the 2026 governorship election with a total of 319,224 votes.

Describing the outcome as unprecedented in the history of Ekiti State and Nigeria, the governor said the overwhelming support he received across the state reflected the confidence of the people in his administration.

"There is no doubt that this is an unprecedented electoral outcome in the history of our state and indeed Nigeria. You have spoken loudly and unequivocally, and I have heard you clearly.

"We have heard your voice and accepted the challenge that this unity mandate has thrown upon us. Your electoral preference for us is truly humbling, and we do not take it for granted. I can only assure you that the best has just begun. We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly to implementing our Shared Prosperity Agenda. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better," he said.

The governor also described his victory as a validation of the economic reforms and policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, noting that the reforms had increased resources available to states and enabled his government to implement impactful projects and social programmes.

According to him, enhanced federal allocations to states provided the platform for his administration to address critical developmental needs and improve the welfare of residents.

Oyebanji further commended President Tinubu for signing the amended Electoral Act into law, which he said contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the election and strengthened the country's electoral process.

"The seamless outcome of this election is a direct result of improvements in the electoral climate and the legal framework," he stated.

The governor pledged to intensify efforts aimed at poverty alleviation and improving the quality of life for all residents, regardless of their social or economic status.

In a move aimed at fostering inclusiveness and unity, Oyebanji disclosed that he had reached out to his opponents in the election, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide.

He said he personally called both candidates and expressed his intention to meet with them to discuss ways of working together for the continued development of Ekiti State.

The governor revealed that President Tinubu had also called to congratulate him following the official announcement of the election results.

Highlighting the scale of his victory, Oyebanji noted that his party won in all 177 wards, almost all 2,445 polling units, and all 16 local government areas of the state.

"For a party to win in all the wards in a state, I am not sure it has happened before in the history of this country. It is not just a watershed moment; it represents a remarkable shift in the political culture of Ekiti people," he said.

He praised residents for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the election period, noting that unlike previous electoral cycles often characterized by violence and tension, the 2026 election was peaceful and incident-free.

According to him, the development signals the emergence of a new political culture anchored on consensus-building, peace, and harmony.

Governor Oyebanji also expressed appreciation to members of the Progressive Governors' Forum, led by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as well as other governors across the country, for their support and encouragement during the electioneering process.

He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his administration's promises and ensuring that the confidence reposed in him by the people translates into greater development and prosperity for Ekiti State.