Landslide Re-election Confirms Oyebanji’s Popularity in Ekiti, Says Bankole

A member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aare Hon. Tolu Bankole, has said the landslide re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, is a clear indication of the governor’s popularity and the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state.

Bankole stated this in a congratulatory message issued on Sunday following Oyebanji’s victory in Saturday’s governorship election, describing the outcome as a historic milestone in Ekiti State’s democratic journey.

The APC chieftain noted that the governor’s overwhelming victory reflected public approval of his administration’s policies and development programmes across the state.

According to him, Oyebanji’s re-election is particularly significant because it makes him the first incumbent governor in Ekiti’s contemporary democratic history to secure a second consecutive term through the ballot.

“This victory is historic. With the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at 3:13 a.m. on Sunday, Governor Oyebanji has become the first incumbent governor in Ekiti State’s contemporary democratic history to win back-to-back elections,” Bankole said.

INEC’s Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, declared Oyebanji winner after he polled 319,224 votes across the state’s 16 local government areas.

His closest challenger, Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 40,543 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dare Bejide, garnered 12,872 votes.

Bankole attributed the governor’s victory to what he described as people-centred leadership and a development-driven agenda that has touched critical sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and rural development.

He expressed appreciation to the people of Ekiti State for what he called their peaceful conduct and political maturity throughout the electoral process.

“My sincere appreciation goes to the good people of Ekiti State. You have once again demonstrated political maturity, peaceful conduct and wisdom. By rewarding Governor Oyebanji’s people-centred leadership, visionary BAO agenda and commitment to development, you have chosen continuity, stability and progress,” he stated.

The APC leader also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support and for providing the policy direction through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said continues to inspire development initiatives across the country.

He further praised the national leadership of the APC, the party structure in Ekiti State, campaign teams, volunteers, women and youth groups, as well as party supporters who contributed to the electoral success.

Bankole also lauded INEC and security agencies for ensuring a largely peaceful and credible election.

“To INEC and our security agencies, your professionalism and dedication ensured a largely peaceful and credible process,” he said.

He maintained that the renewed mandate given to Oyebanji represented a strong endorsement of the APC’s progressive ideals and expressed confidence that the governor would consolidate on his achievements during a second term in office.

“Governor Oyebanji’s renewed mandate is a clear vote of confidence in APC’s progressive ideals. I have no doubt that his second term will deepen development and improve living conditions for every Ekiti son and daughter,” Bankole added.

He urged residents of the state to continue supporting the governor’s administration as it pursues its vision of accelerated development and improved welfare for the people.