President Bola Tinubu has described the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, as a strong endorsement of continuity, stability and people-focused leadership by the people of the state.
The President made the remark while congratulating Oyebanji on his victory in Saturday’s governorship election, which saw the incumbent governor secure a second term in office.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the election in the early hours of Sunday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the outcome of the election reflected the confidence Ekiti residents had in the governor’s performance during his first term.
According to the President, the overwhelming support received by Oyebanji at the polls showed that the people appreciated the administration’s efforts in improving their lives through development programs and effective governance.
“With his overwhelming victory in the election, Oyebanji has emerged as the first governor in the history of Ekiti State to win re-election back-to-back,” Tinubu said.
He noted that the governor’s first term was marked by notable achievements in critical sectors of the state’s economy and public service.
The President listed infrastructure development, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare and rural development as areas where the Oyebanji administration had recorded significant progress.
He added that the renewed mandate given to the governor represented “a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability and people-centred governance.”
Tinubu also commended the people of Ekiti State for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process. He praised voters for exercising their democratic rights in an orderly manner and for demonstrating faith in the electoral system.
He equally lauded security agencies deployed for the election for maintaining law and order before, during and after the exercise.
The President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to sustain the standard displayed in the conduct of the Ekiti election as Nigeria prepares for more major elections.
He charged the electoral body to continue to organise peaceful, free, fair and credible polls, especially ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August and the general election expected next year.
The call comes amid growing public demand for greater transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process. In recent years, election management has remained a major issue in the country’s democratic journey, with citizens and political stakeholders often scrutinising the conduct of polls.
Tinubu said credible elections were essential to strengthening democratic institutions and preserving public confidence in governance.
Oyebanji’s victory is being seen by political analysts as a major boost for both the APC and the President ahead of future electoral contests.
The Ekiti governor, who first assumed office after winning the 2022 governorship election, has consistently highlighted agriculture, social investment, economic growth and grassroots development as priorities of his administration.
Supporters of the governor argue that his inclusive style of leadership and working relationship with political stakeholders across the state contributed to his electoral success.
His re-election also marks a significant moment in Ekiti’s political history, as he becomes the first governor in the state to secure consecutive re-election victories, highlighting his strong political standing.
For the APC, the outcome reinforces the party’s hold on Ekiti State, one of its traditional strongholds in the South-West.
As celebrations continue among supporters of the governor, attention is gradually shifting to the next electoral tests facing the country. The Osun governorship election and the general election next year are expected to provide further opportunities to assess the readiness of electoral institutions and the commitment of stakeholders to democratic principles.
For now, Tinubu believes the message from Ekiti is clear: the people have rewarded a government they believe has delivered on its promises and chosen to continue on the same path.
“The renewed mandate is therefore a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance,” the President said.