The dust has settled on the Ekiti State governorship election, but the political battle is far from over. While Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC are basking in the euphoria of a resounding victory, attention has shifted to the PDP and the ADC as both weigh their next steps amid allegations of electoral irregularities and growing calls for a legal challenge, writesABIODUN NEJOAlthough the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, featured 15 political parties, only three — the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress — emerged as serious contenders in the race.However, the final result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, raised questions about the actual strength of the opposition parties, particularly the PDP and ADC, which had been projected as major challengers to the ruling APC before the poll.The APC dominated the election, sweeping all 177 wards and the 16 local government areas of the state.Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC polled 319,244 votes, representing 85.72 per cent of the total votes cast, while the PDP candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, came a distant second with 40,543 votes (10.83 per cent). The ADC candidate secured 12,842 votes (3.46 per cent) to place third.The result was a sharp contrast to the confidence expressed by the opposition parties before the election. While the APC had predicted victory across all local governments, the PDP and ADC had each claimed they would win at least 10 local government areas ahead of the poll.Election observers described the exercise as largely peaceful and non-violent across the state, although they raised concerns over reported cases of vote-buying and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to address the issue ahead of future elections, including the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.The observers included the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre, the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development and Kimpact Development Initiative.Ahead of the election, the candidates of the three leading parties — Oyebanji, Oluyede and the ADC’s candidate, Bejide — had expressed confidence in victory as they toured communities across the state to canvass support from voters.Meanwhile, preparations have been made for possible legal challenges following the constitution of an Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongben-Mensem, in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Although the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, featured 15 political parties, only three — the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress — emerged as serious contenders in the race.However, the final result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, raised questions about the actual strength of the opposition parties, particularly the PDP and ADC, which had been projected as major challengers to the ruling APC before the poll.The APC dominated the election, sweeping all 177 wards and the 16 local government areas of the state.Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC polled 319,244 votes, representing 85.72 per cent of the total votes cast, while the PDP candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, came a distant second with 40,543 votes (10.83 per cent). The ADC candidate secured 12,842 votes (3.46 per cent) to place third.The result was a sharp contrast to the confidence expressed by the opposition parties before the election. While the APC had predicted victory across all local governments, the PDP and ADC had each claimed they would win at least 10 local government areas ahead of the poll.Election observers described the exercise as largely peaceful and non-violent across the state, although they raised concerns over reported cases of vote-buying and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to address the issue ahead of future elections, including the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.The observers included the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre, the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development and Kimpact Development Initiative.Ahead of the election, the candidates of the three leading parties — Oyebanji, Oluyede and the ADC’s candidate, Bejide — had expressed confidence in victory as they toured communities across the state to canvass support from voters.Meanwhile, preparations have been made for possible legal challenges following the constitution of an Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongben-Mensem, in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. However, the final result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, raised questions about the actual strength of the opposition parties, particularly the PDP and ADC, which had been projected as major challengers to the ruling APC before the poll.The APC dominated the election, sweeping all 177 wards and the 16 local government areas of the state.Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC polled 319,244 votes, representing 85.72 per cent of the total votes cast, while the PDP candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, came a distant second with 40,543 votes (10.83 per cent). The ADC candidate secured 12,842 votes (3.46 per cent) to place third.The result was a sharp contrast to the confidence expressed by the opposition parties before the election. While the APC had predicted victory across all local governments, the PDP and ADC had each claimed they would win at least 10 local government areas ahead of the poll.Election observers described the exercise as largely peaceful and non-violent across the state, although they raised concerns over reported cases of vote-buying and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to address the issue ahead of future elections, including the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.The observers included the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre, the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development and Kimpact Development Initiative.Ahead of the election, the candidates of the three leading parties — Oyebanji, Oluyede and the ADC’s candidate, Bejide — had expressed confidence in victory as they toured communities across the state to canvass support from voters.Meanwhile, preparations have been made for possible legal challenges following the constitution of an Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongben-Mensem, in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The APC dominated the election, sweeping all 177 wards and the 16 local government areas of the state.Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC polled 319,244 votes, representing 85.72 per cent of the total votes cast, while the PDP candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, came a distant second with 40,543 votes (10.83 per cent). The ADC candidate secured 12,842 votes (3.46 per cent) to place third.The result was a sharp contrast to the confidence expressed by the opposition parties before the election. While the APC had predicted victory across all local governments, the PDP and ADC had each claimed they would win at least 10 local government areas ahead of the poll.Election observers described the exercise as largely peaceful and non-violent across the state, although they raised concerns over reported cases of vote-buying and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to address the issue ahead of future elections, including the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.The observers included the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre, the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development and Kimpact Development Initiative.Ahead of the election, the candidates of the three leading parties — Oyebanji, Oluyede and the ADC’s candidate, Bejide — had expressed confidence in victory as they toured communities across the state to canvass support from voters.Meanwhile, preparations have been made for possible legal challenges following the constitution of an Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongben-Mensem, in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the APC polled 319,244 votes, representing 85.72 per cent of the total votes cast, while the PDP candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, came a distant second with 40,543 votes (10.83 per cent). The ADC candidate secured 12,842 votes (3.46 per cent) to place third.The result was a sharp contrast to the confidence expressed by the opposition parties before the election. While the APC had predicted victory across all local governments, the PDP and ADC had each claimed they would win at least 10 local government areas ahead of the poll.Election observers described the exercise as largely peaceful and non-violent across the state, although they raised concerns over reported cases of vote-buying and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to address the issue ahead of future elections, including the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.The observers included the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre, the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development and Kimpact Development Initiative.Ahead of the election, the candidates of the three leading parties — Oyebanji, Oluyede and the ADC’s candidate, Bejide — had expressed confidence in victory as they toured communities across the state to canvass support from voters.Meanwhile, preparations have been made for possible legal challenges following the constitution of an Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongben-Mensem, in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The result was a sharp contrast to the confidence expressed by the opposition parties before the election. While the APC had predicted victory across all local governments, the PDP and ADC had each claimed they would win at least 10 local government areas ahead of the poll.Election observers described the exercise as largely peaceful and non-violent across the state, although they raised concerns over reported cases of vote-buying and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to address the issue ahead of future elections, including the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.The observers included the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre, the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development and Kimpact Development Initiative.Ahead of the election, the candidates of the three leading parties — Oyebanji, Oluyede and the ADC’s candidate, Bejide — had expressed confidence in victory as they toured communities across the state to canvass support from voters.Meanwhile, preparations have been made for possible legal challenges following the constitution of an Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongben-Mensem, in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Election observers described the exercise as largely peaceful and non-violent across the state, although they raised concerns over reported cases of vote-buying and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to address the issue ahead of future elections, including the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.The observers included the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre, the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development and Kimpact Development Initiative.Ahead of the election, the candidates of the three leading parties — Oyebanji, Oluyede and the ADC’s candidate, Bejide — had expressed confidence in victory as they toured communities across the state to canvass support from voters.Meanwhile, preparations have been made for possible legal challenges following the constitution of an Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongben-Mensem, in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The observers included the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre, the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development and Kimpact Development Initiative.Ahead of the election, the candidates of the three leading parties — Oyebanji, Oluyede and the ADC’s candidate, Bejide — had expressed confidence in victory as they toured communities across the state to canvass support from voters.Meanwhile, preparations have been made for possible legal challenges following the constitution of an Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongben-Mensem, in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Ahead of the election, the candidates of the three leading parties — Oyebanji, Oluyede and the ADC’s candidate, Bejide — had expressed confidence in victory as they toured communities across the state to canvass support from voters.Meanwhile, preparations have been made for possible legal challenges following the constitution of an Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongben-Mensem, in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Meanwhile, preparations have been made for possible legal challenges following the constitution of an Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongben-Mensem, in line with provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The tribunal’s establishment was contained in a letter dated June 16 by the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu, titled “Constitution of the Governorship Election Tribunal for Ekiti State 2026”. The tribunal is expected to sit at the National Industrial Court premises within the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti.It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. It was therefore not surprising when the ADC candidate, Bejide, rejected the outcome of the election on June 21, insisting that the exercise lacked credibility.“My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “My immediate reaction is to reject the result of the election in its entirety because, in my view, the exercise conducted on Saturday was not credible.“We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “We are compiling the results which we will study and come out with our position as a party. That is exactly what we are doing now,” he said.During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. During the campaign, Bejide had outlined plans to focus on agricultural revival, infrastructure and rural development, civil service welfare, pension reforms, youth empowerment and capacity building if elected.His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. His campaign spokesman, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, had accused the Oyebanji administration of underperformance, arguing that many Ekiti residents had yet to feel the impact of government policies.“Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “Our strength lies with the people of Ekiti State who have demonstrated that they have not enjoyed dividends of democracy under the current administration,” he had said.Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Similarly, the PDP candidate, Oluyede, rejected the election outcome through a statement issued by his campaign organisation, saying the result “does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and aspiration of the people of Ekiti State.”In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. In a subsequent interaction with journalists on June 23, Oluyede said the party was reviewing the result and consulting with its leadership, lawyers and legal team before deciding on the next step.“Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “Based on reports received from our polling agents across the 16 local government areas, information available to our campaign and my own assessment of events, I firmly believe that the election fell short of the standard of a free, fair and credible election that the good people of Ekiti deserved,” he said.“The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “The numerous reports of voter inducement, intimidation, operational challenges involving the BVAS, delayed accreditation and other alleged irregularities have raised serious questions that deserve transparent and impartial examination,” Oluyede said.The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The PDP candidate, while expressing respect for the office of President Bola Tinubu, said every decision taken after the election would be guided by “wisdom, responsibility and respect for our democratic institutions.”He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. He added, “For that reason, I am currently consulting extensively with the leadership of our great party, my lawyers and members of my legal team.“Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “Those consultations are ongoing. At the appropriate time, I shall brief the good people of Ekiti State on the outcome of those consultations and the next steps regarding all matters arising from this election.”Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Before the poll, Oluyede had expressed confidence in victory, promising to reposition Ekiti’s economy, strengthen social services and expand opportunities for residents through his 10-point development agenda, tagged “My Contract with Ekiti.”However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. However, following the declaration of Oyebanji as winner by INEC, celebrations erupted across the state, with supporters organising road shows that culminated at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. APC governors and party leaders, who had gathered in solidarity with Oyebanji, were among the first to celebrate the victory, describing it as a historic breakthrough for the governor, who became the first Ekiti governor to overcome the state’s second-term jinx.The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Ekiti residents on the outcome, describing the victory as a reflection of the quality leadership and performance of the Oyebanji administration.“We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “We are happy as a party, we are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields good results. Our democracy is growing steadily, achievements are being recorded and the economy is becoming stronger,” Uzodimma said.Related NewsTambuwal urges Nigerians to vote out Tinubu in 2027Choose Christian running mate to avoid protest votes, group warns BagoTinubu unveils grassroots movement, defends economic reformsSimilarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Similarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Oyebanji’s victory as “democracy at work,” attributing the outcome to the support of Ekiti voters.“This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “This is democracy at work. The process was fair and transparent and the election was peaceful. There was turnout of people for the election and we commend INEC for conducting such a fair and transparent process. We also commend the law enforcement agencies for being on top of their game,” Abiodun said.The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The Senate Leader and Chairman of the APC/Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the result as “a clear validation of Oyebanji’s leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.”He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. He added that the renewed mandate would ensure continuity in policies driving development, peace and stability across the state.Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Oyebanji, in his reaction, described the victory as humbling, assuring residents that he would not take the renewed mandate for granted.“On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “On our own, we are cognizant of the significance of this electoral statement. More importantly, the significance of the outcome.“It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “It is not just a watershed; it is a remarkable shift in the political culture of the Ekiti people. Unlike previous electoral cycles, which were marked by disturbing violence and apprehensions, this election has come and gone without a single incident.“With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “With this, Ekiti has taken a new course. It is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the currency of political engagement,” he said.The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The governor thanked Ekiti voters for their confidence and promised to accelerate the implementation of his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing our shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better. We will not relent until poverty and inequality become a thing of the past in our state,” he assured.Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Oyebanji also disclosed that he had reached out to the PDP and ADC candidates, Oluyede and Bejide, respectively, urging them to join hands with him for the development of the state.Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians and groups, including President Bola Tinubu, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought and the Ekiti Council of Elders, have congratulated the governor on his re-election.The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, attributed Oyebanji’s victory to what he described as years of strategic planning, inclusive governance, project execution and prioritisation of citizens’ welfare since the governor assumed office in 2022.Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Dipe identified three major factors that shaped the outcome of the election: the party’s grassroots structure, the governor’s performance record and the influence of federal alignment.According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. According to him, APC’s presence from ward level to polling units helped convert public support into votes, while the opposition struggled with limited grassroots visibility.He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. He also argued that Oyebanji’s campaign benefited from a record of completed and ongoing projects, including road construction, salary payments, healthcare improvements and other interventions that voters could identify with.Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Dipe added that the APC’s strong performance in major voting areas, including Ado Ekiti and Ikole, proved decisive, while the PDP’s support base remained largely concentrated in Ikere.He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. He further said the result reflected voters’ appreciation of the relationship between the state and the Federal Government, citing federal interventions in infrastructure, education and social investment programmes as factors that influenced the electorate.“The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “The 85.72 per cent votes can be read as Ekiti choosing to keep that channel open for the next four years,” he said.The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The APC spokesperson added that the outcome of the election represented both an endorsement and a responsibility for Governor Oyebanji and the party.“For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “For Governor Oyebanji and APC, the result is both affirmation and responsibility. Voters have signalled trust in continuity. The task now is to match that trust with accelerated delivery — completion of key roads under construction, expansion of rural access, healthcare upgrades and youth employment, while leveraging federal alignment under Renewed Hope,” he said.In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. In its post-election statement on Sunday, June 21, the Case Tracking and Response Centre, coordinated by the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, commended Ekiti residents for what it described as the generally peaceful conduct of the election and the participation of women and vulnerable groups.The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The Executive Director of BIGIF, Dr Tumininu Adedeji, said the exercise reflected “encouraging improvements in inclusiveness and peaceful participation.”Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. Among its recommendations, the centre urged INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve technological preparedness ahead of future elections.“The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. “The deployment of technology has become an integral part of electoral reform,” Adedeji said.The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The centre also called on political parties to refrain from vote trading, voter inducement and harassment, urging stakeholders to respect the choices of voters and uphold democratic principles.The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The Independent National Electoral Commission, which presented the Certificate of Return to Oyebanji at a modest ceremony in Ado Ekiti, praised residents for the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as “a model of democratic practice.”The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll. The electoral umpire reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections, while commending security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful conduct of the Ekiti poll.