Oyebanji Thanks Ekiti People For Re-Election Victory, Peaceful Conduct Of Governorship Poll
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed deep appreciation to the people of the state for their overwhelming support, which secured his re-election in the June 20 governorship election.
The Governor also commended residents for ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and violence-free electoral process across the 16 local government areas of the state, describing the exercise as a model for democratic conduct in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday in Ado-Ekiti by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji said he was profoundly grateful to Ekiti people, both at home and in the diaspora, for entrusting him with another four-year mandate.
According to the Governor, the peaceful nature of the election was made possible by the exemplary conduct of citizens before, during, and after the three-month electioneering period. He noted that leaders and stakeholders from various sectors played vital roles in sustaining peace throughout the process.
Governor Oyebanji also extended an olive branch to his opponents, inviting the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Wole Oluyede, and the candidate of the African Democratic Party (ADP), Ambassador Dare Bejide, to join hands with his administration in advancing the development of Ekiti State.
“I owe all Ekiti sons and daughters, at home and in the diaspora, a debt of gratitude for their overwhelming support and for the fresh mandate to serve for another four years. This is truly humbling, and I do not take the trust for granted,” the Governor stated.
“Very importantly, I thank Ekitikete for their deliberate commitment to ensuring a peaceful election, devoid of violence or bloodshed, thereby setting a new standard for electoral conduct.”
The Governor paid tribute to traditional rulers across the state for promoting peace within their domains and acknowledged the contributions of political leaders and religious organisations for fostering unity and peaceful coexistence.
He also expressed appreciation to former governors of the state—Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Engr. Segun Oni, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi—for their support of his administration and commitment to the unity and progress of Ekiti State.
Governor Oyebanji further thanked serving and former members of the National and State Assemblies, members of the State Executive Council, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and the Campaign Council led by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, for their contributions to the successful outcome of the election.
The Governor equally commended security agencies, including the Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other paramilitary organisations, for their professionalism and effective collaboration in maintaining peace before, during, and after the election.
He also acknowledged the support of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), labour unions, workers, teachers, local government employees, media practitioners, youth and student groups, artisans, market women, transport unions, and commercial motorcyclists.
Commenting on the conduct of the election, Governor Oyebanji praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as a significant improvement in the management of the electoral process compared to previous exercises in the state. He attributed the progress to the dedication of INEC personnel and the effectiveness of the Electoral Act signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reaffirming his commitment to the people, the Governor pledged to work harder and more efficiently in his second term to deliver greater dividends of democracy and accelerate the state's development.
He also expressed gratitude to God for the achievements recorded by his administration over the past three years and eight months, promising to build on the successes for the benefit of all Ekiti residents.
