By Abbanobi-Eku Onyeka
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor and APC governorship candidate, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on his re-election, describing the victory as a clear endorsement of his leadership and governance records.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued Sunday by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Leader of the Senate.
Bamidele, who chaired the APC Governorship Election Campaign Council in Ekiti, said Oyebanji’s renewed mandate would guarantee continuity in service delivery and accelerate development across the state. He noted that the governor’s first term laid a foundation that voters rewarded with a second term.
In the statement, Bamidele declared the outcome “a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti.” He said the result reflected the people’s confidence in Oyebanji’s commitment to public welfare and prosperity.
Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, announced the final results Sunday morning at the collation centre in Ado-Ekiti. Governor Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat PDP’s Dr. Wole Oluyede who scored 40,543 votes, and ADC’s Mr. Dare Bejide with 12,872 votes.
Bamidele praised Oyebanji for fostering peace, unity, and stability in Ekiti since 2022. He said the governor transformed the state’s political climate from an era of division and hostility to one marked by cooperation and synergy in governance.
According to the Senate Leader, one of Oyebanji’s most remarkable achievements is uniting political leaders across party lines. He said the governor created a shared vision that prioritizes Ekiti’s advancement above partisan interests.
Bamidele specifically commended Oyebanji for building strong relationships with former governors and other influential figures in the state. He described the level of harmony among Ekiti’s political leaders as a rare feat in Nigeria’s political environment.
“The outcome of the election perfectly reflects the confidence of the people in Oyebanji’s leadership,” Bamidele stated. He added that Oyebanji made history as the first governor in Ekiti to win back-to-back re-election since 1999, a testament to his inclusive approach to governance.
Expressing optimism for the second term, Bamidele said Oyebanji would consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen development initiatives, and further position Ekiti as a model of good governance and political stability in the country.
The Senate Leader also thanked Ekiti voters for their peaceful conduct before, during, and after the election, and commended the national and state leadership of the APC for providing the platform that delivered Oyebanji’s 319,224 votes against his closest rival’s 40,543 votes.
