Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed confidence that he will secure more than 500,000 votes in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Oyebanji spoke shortly after casting his vote at Ward 06, Unit 03, Okelele, Ikogosi Ekiti, at about 11:38 a.m., where he voted alongside his wife, Olayemi Oyebanji.
The governor commended the large turnout of voters across the state, describing it as a positive sign of growing political awareness and civic responsibility among citizens.
He said the participation showed that residents understand the importance of governance and its impact on the future development of the state.
The 2026 Ekiti governorship election has attracted wide attention, with major political parties intensifying campaigns in recent months.
Oyebanji, who is seeking re-election under the APC platform, is facing opposition candidates, including Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a contest widely seen as a test of strength between the two dominant parties in the state.
Before the election, the APC had publicly stated that it was targeting at least 500,000 votes for the governor, a figure the party believed would secure a comfortable victory.
When asked whether the party could still achieve the target, Oyebanji expressed optimism but said the outcome would depend on the smooth conduct of the voting process.
“We should, if the processes work well, and everybody votes, we should cross that line. That’s what I’m saying here today. I have no idea about that,” he said.
His comment reflects the party’s earlier campaign projection, although he avoided making a firm prediction about the final outcome of the election.
Voting across Ekiti State was reported to have started in many polling units on Saturday morning, with electoral officials arriving early in several locations.
Security personnel were also deployed across the state to maintain order and ensure a peaceful process, as residents trooped out to cast their ballots.
Governor Oyebanji also commented on the conduct of the election, expressing general satisfaction with the process while urging voters to remain patient with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Everything’s going on well. Definitely, I am satisfied. But I need to also appeal to our people to be patient with INEC,” he said.
The governor acknowledged that minor challenges could occur during elections, but insisted that such issues should not be seen as deliberate attempts to frustrate the process.
“With all processes, there will be glitches. INEC has assured me, and I believe them, that all those glitches will be attended to,” he said.
He further appealed to residents to cooperate with electoral officials and allow the process to proceed smoothly.
“They (INEC) have told me that nobody will be disenfranchised, that everybody who has come out will vote. But our people also need to cooperate with INEC and encourage them and be patient,” he added.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has repeatedly assured Nigerians that it is committed to conducting free, fair and credible elections, with reforms such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) introduced to improve transparency and reduce electoral malpractice.
The Ekiti governorship election is one of the key political contests in Nigeria’s South-West region, where the APC and PDP have continued to compete strongly for influence.
Oyebanji, who first assumed office following his victory in the previous election, has spent the past years focusing on infrastructure development, education reforms, and social welfare programmes in the state.
His administration has often highlighted improvements in road construction, rural development and support for small businesses as part of its achievements.
On the other hand, opposition parties have accused the government of failing to fully address economic challenges and unemployment, which remain key concerns among residents.
Saturday’s election is therefore seen as a crucial moment for voters to decide whether to continue with the current administration or opt for change.
As voting continues, attention remains focused on the performance of INEC, the conduct of political parties, and the ability of security agencies to maintain peace throughout the exercise.
Election observers have urged all stakeholders to respect the will of the people and allow the process to be concluded without violence or disruption.
For Governor Oyebanji, the expectation of surpassing the 500,000-vote benchmark reflects confidence in his party’s structure and support base in the state.
However, the final outcome will ultimately be determined by the ballots cast by Ekiti voters, whose decisions will shape the state’s political direction for the next four years.