Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in last Saturday’s governorship election, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on Tuesday received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, pledging to deepen good governance and accelerate sustainable development across the state.
The National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Ekiti and Osun States, Mr. Sam Olumekun, presented the certificate to Governor Oyebanji at a brief ceremony held at the INEC State Office in Ado-Ekiti. His running mate and incumbent Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, also received her certificate at the event.
Governor Oyebanji won the June 20, 2026 governorship election with 319,224 votes, becoming the first governor in Ekiti State’s history to secure two consecutive electoral mandates. A large crowd of supporters thronged the INEC office complex and adjoining streets to witness the historic event.
Speaking shortly after receiving the certificate, Governor Oyebanji, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, expressed appreciation to the people of Ekiti for renewing his mandate. He described the election outcome as a strong vote of confidence in his administration.
The Governor said his second term would focus on consolidating existing achievements while implementing policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, stimulating economic growth, and strengthening infrastructure across the state.
Governor Oyebanji commended INEC, security agencies and electoral officials for their professionalism and commitment to delivering a peaceful, free and credible election. He noted significant improvements following amendments to the Electoral Act.
He also lauded Ekiti residents for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election, emphasizing that the victory belongs to all residents. He called on other contestants to join his administration in advancing the development of Ekiti.
“Let me first appreciate God for His faithfulness; today would not have been possible without Him. After God, I must acknowledge the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly for his courage in signing the new Electoral Act into law,” the Governor said.
“This election is the first to be conducted under the amended Electoral Act, and the improvement in INEC’s performance is evident. The Commission deserves commendation for its professionalism, fairness and transparency. I also commend the security agencies and the good people of Ekiti for ensuring a peaceful process. As a state just 29 years old, this stands as one of our most peaceful elections, reflecting the positive reforms shaping our political culture.”
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Olumekun praised the peaceful conduct of Ekiti residents, describing the election as a model of democratic practice. He appreciated security agencies and stakeholders for their roles in the successful conduct of the poll and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections.
Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, congratulated Governor Oyebanji on his victory, noting that the Certificate of Return symbolizes not just electoral success but also the trust and expectations placed on him by the people.
Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Senator representing Ekiti North and Director-General of the Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi; APC State Chairman, Barr. Sola Elesin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, and local government chairmen, among others.
