President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Biodun Oyebanji on his victory in the Ekiti State governorship election, describing the outcome as a strong endorsement of continuity, stability, and people-centred governance.

In a statement issued by the President’s Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct during the election and for renewing their mandate for Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

The president also praised security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the electoral process and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to sustain efforts aimed at delivering peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections ahead of future polls, including the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State and next year’s general elections.

According to Tinubu, Oyebanji’s re-election reflects public confidence in his administration’s performance, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and rural development.

“With his overwhelming victory in the election, Oyebanji has emerged as the first governor in the history of Ekiti State to secure back-to-back re-election,” the president said.

He urged the governor to remain magnanimous in victory and continue to govern inclusively while consolidating on the achievements of his first term.

Oyebanji Promises Greater Service

Reacting to his victory, Oyebanji described his re-election as a renewed call to service and pledged to continue governing the state with humility, compassion, courage, and a sense of responsibility.

The governor expressed appreciation to the people of Ekiti State for their support and confidence in his administration.

ADC Rejects Election Outcome

Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Dare Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election, alleging widespread vote-buying, over-voting, and other electoral irregularities.

Despite the objections, the APC welcomed the result, with the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, congratulating Oyebanji on securing a second term in office.

Several APC governors also extended congratulatory messages to the Ekiti governor following the announcement of the results.

Election Observers Raise Concerns

Election observation group Yiaga Africa stated that the official results released by INEC were consistent with its independent vote-tracking exercise. However, the organisation expressed concerns over reported incidents of vote-buying and discrepancies in voter turnout figures recorded in some areas.

Similarly, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria condemned reports of violence, voter intimidation, and vote-buying during the governorship election and several by-elections conducted alongside the poll.

Federal Government Pledges Support

Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with the Ekiti State Government to deliver development projects and advance the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The president also prayed for wisdom, strength, and good health for Oyebanji as he begins another term in office.

The election outcome is expected to shape the political landscape in Ekiti State ahead of future electoral contests, while concerns raised by opposition parties and civil society groups are likely to keep electoral reforms in focus.