- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has congratulated the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election, describing it as a clear endorsement of his leadership and governance records.
Bamidele, who chaired the APC Governorship Election Campaign Council in Ekiti State, said Oyebanji’s renewed mandate would guarantee continuity in the delivery of impactful governance and accelerate the pace of development across the state.
He congratulated Oyebanji and the APC in a statement issued by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday, saying the victory “is a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti.”
The Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji had announced the final result at the collation centre in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital Sunday morning.
According to the returning officer, Oyebanji polled 319,224 in the just concluded process; the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Wole Oluyede came second with total votes of 40,543 and his African Democratic Congress counterpart, Mr. Dare Bejide scored 12,872 votes.
Congratulating Oyebanji on Sunday, Bamidele said Oyebanji’s leadership has fostered peace, unity, and stability in Ekiti State, which had transformed the state’s political landscape from an era often characterised by division, hostility, and toxicity in politics to one defined by cooperation, collaboration and synergy in driving public governance.
According to Bamidele, one of the most remarkable achievements of the governor has been his ability to unite political leaders and stakeholders across party lines, creating a shared vision for the advancement of the state.
He particularly commended Oyebanji for building strong and resilient relationships with the state’s former governors and other influential political figures, describing the level of harmony and unity of purpose among the state’s leaders as a rare feat in Nigeria’s political environment.
He explained that 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.
“Oyebanji’s approach to governance and politics significantly contributed to his re-election. He 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 expressed optimism that the governor’s second term would consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen development initiatives, and further position Ekiti State as a model of good governance and political stability in the country.
Bamidele also thanked the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election and for demonstrating their faith in democracy through their active participation in the electoral process.
He, also, thanked the national and state leadership of APC for providing a vibrant platform and much-needed support that significantly contributed to total votes of 319,224 scored by the governor compared to 40,543 by his arch rival.
