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