Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has extended an olive branch to opposition candidates following his landslide victory in the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, even as the PDP reject Ekiti Governorship result and raised concerns over the conduct of the poll.
Oyebanji secured a second term after polling 319,224 votes, defeating his closest challengers, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 40,533 votes, and Ambassador Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who polled 12,872 votes across the state’s 16 local government areas.
Key Highlights
- Biodun Oyebanji wins re-election with 319,224 votes.
- PDP rejects Ekiti Governorship result, raises concerns over election outcome.
- Oyebanji extends olive branch to opposition candidates.
- President Bola Tinubu congratulates governor, urges inclusive governance.
- APC leaders, governors and lawmakers celebrate historic victory.
- Oyebanji becomes first Ekiti governor to secure consecutive re-election since 1999.
- INEC and security agencies commended for peaceful conduct of the election.
The Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, announced the final results at the state collation centre in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday.
Speaking shortly after his declaration, Oyebanji revealed that he had already reached out to his opponents in a move aimed at fostering unity and strengthening democracy in the state.
“A while ago, President Bola Tinubu called to congratulate me following the official announcement of the result. I have also called the PDP candidate, Dr Oluyede, and the ADC candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide,” the governor said.
He described the outcome as a historic mandate from the people of Ekiti State and pledged to govern inclusively.
“You have spoken loudly and unequivocally, and I have heard you clearly. We accept the challenge this overwhelming mandate has placed on us. This victory is humbling, and we will not take it for granted,” Oyebanji stated.
The governor added that the election outcome signalled a new era of consensus-building, peace, and political cooperation in Ekiti State.
Tinubu Congratulates Oyebanji
President Bola Tinubu congratulated the governor on his re-election and urged him to remain magnanimous in victory by carrying all Ekiti citizens along regardless of political affiliations.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the victory as a clear endorsement of Oyebanji’s leadership and achievements in office.
“President Tinubu urges Governor Oyebanji to remain magnanimous in victory and carry all Ekiti people along as he consolidates on his achievements in the next four years,” the statement read.
The President also commended INEC, security agencies, and the electorate for ensuring a peaceful and credible election process.
Governors, APC Leaders Celebrate Victory
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, described the victory as evidence of the governor’s quality leadership and performance.
Similarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, hailed the outcome as a triumph of democracy and good governance.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke also congratulated Oyebanji, describing the result as a demonstration of public confidence in his administration.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the victory reflected the governor’s commitment to peace, unity, and development, adding that his leadership style had transformed the political landscape of Ekiti State.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, also celebrated the victory, describing it as historic and a testament to the confidence Ekiti people have in Oyebanji’s leadership.
The party commended INEC, security agencies, and election observers for their professionalism during the electoral process.
Read also:
- Ekiti Election 2026: INEC Records Over 1.05 Million Registered Voters as PVC Collection Reaches 97.1%
- INEC Declares Biodun Oyebanji Winner Of Ekiti Governorship Election
- Ekiti Governorship Election: Turnout Impressive, Vote-Buying Allegations Surface As Voting Ends
Meanwhile, opposition voices continued to question aspects of the election outcome, with the PDP reject Ekiti Governorship result narrative gaining traction among party supporters who insist the process should be reviewed.
Despite the post-election disagreements, stakeholders have called for calm and urged political actors to pursue any grievances through lawful and democratic channels.
