By Oscar Okhifo
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been re-elected as governor of Ekiti State after winning Saturday’s governorship election with a commanding lead over candidates of other political parties.
According to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to secure a second four-year term in office.
The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, officially declared the incumbent governor winner at about 2 a.m. on Sunday after the completion of collation from all 16 local government areas of the state.
Announcing the result, Oladiji said: “That Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”
She further certified the outcome, stating: “I, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Returning Officer for the Ekiti State Governorship Election, hereby certify that the election was conducted and the results have been duly collated.”
Oladiji also noted that the governor fulfilled all constitutional requirements for election, having secured the highest number of valid votes cast as well as the required geographical spread across the state.
Results from the 16 local government areas showed Oyebanji maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the collation process, ultimately emerging victorious over his closest challengers.
The outcome is expected to further strengthen the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, although opposition parties are expected to review the conduct of the election and determine their next course of action.
While the poll was largely peaceful, reports of vote-buying and other electoral infractions surfaced in some parts of the state, attracting the attention of anti-corruption agencies, election observers, and civil society groups.
In one widely circulated incident, a viral video showed youths booing operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during an operation targeting suspected vote traders, highlighting persistent concerns over electoral malpractice.
Election observer missions, civil society organisations, and media monitoring groups are expected to release their final assessments of the poll in the coming days, while aggrieved candidates retain the constitutional right to challenge the outcome in court.
With his re-election, Oyebanji will continue in office for another four-year term, extending his administration’s mandate to govern the state.