Oyebanji’s Re-election Will Sustain Ekiti Development, Unity — Bamidele

The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, on his re-election, saying the renewed mandate will sustain development and strengthen unity in the state.

Bamidele, who chaired the APC Governorship Election Campaign Council in Ekiti State, described Oyebanji’s victory as a clear endorsement of his leadership style, governance record and achievements during his first term in office.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, the Senate Leader said Oyebanji’s re-election would guarantee continuity in the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents.

He described the victory as “a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti,” adding that the governor’s renewed mandate would accelerate development across the state.

The Returning Officer for the election and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji, had announced Oyebanji as the winner after the completion of the collation process in Ado-Ekiti.

According to the official results, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his major challengers. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, came second with 40,543 votes, while African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dare Bejide, scored 12,872 votes.

Bamidele said Oyebanji’s leadership had promoted peace, stability and cooperation in Ekiti, noting that the governor had helped transform the state’s political environment from one previously marked by divisions and conflicts to one characterised by collaboration among stakeholders.

He praised Oyebanji for building strong relationships with former governors, political leaders and influential figures across party lines, describing the level of unity among Ekiti leaders as a rare achievement in Nigeria’s political landscape.

According to him, one of the governor’s major accomplishments has been his ability to bring different political actors together around a common vision for the progress of the state.

Bamidele urged the governor to remain committed to inclusive governance and continue delivering projects and programmes that would improve the wellbeing of Ekiti residents.

He expressed confidence that Oyebanji’s second term would further consolidate the gains recorded under his administration and position the state for greater growth.