Oyebanji’s re-election will sustain Ekiti development, unity — Senator Bamidele

Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election, describing it as a clear endorsement of his leadership and governance records.

Bamidele, who chaired the APC Governorship Election Campaign Council in Ekiti State, said Oyebanji’s renewed mandate would guarantee continuity in the delivery of impactful governance and accelerate the pace of development across the state.

He congratulated Oyebanji and the APC in a statement issued by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday, saying the victory “is a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti”.

The Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA,  Prof. Adenike Oladiji had announced the final result at the collation centre in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital Sunday morning.

According to the returning officer, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes while the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Wole Oluyede, came second with 40,543 votes. The candidate African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dare Bejide scored 12,872 votes.

Congratulating Oyebanji on Sunday, Bamidele said his leadership has fostered peace, unity and stability in Ekiti State, which had transformed the state’s political landscape from an era often characterised by division, hostility, and toxicity in politics to one defined by cooperation, collaboration and synergy in driving public governance.

According to Bamidele, one of the most remarkable achievements of the governor has been his ability to unite political leaders and stakeholders across party lines, creating a shared vision for the advancement of the state.

He particularly commended Oyebanji for building strong and resilient relationships with  the state’s former governors and other influential political figures, describing the level of harmony and unity of purpose among the state’s leaders as a rare feat in Nigeria’s political environment.

He explained that the outcome of the election “perfectly reflects the confidence of the people in Oyebanji’s leadership, commitment to public governance, and dedication to the welfare and prosperity of Ekiti people at large.

“Oyebanji’s approach to governance and politics significantly contributed to his re-election. He made history in Ekiti State as the first  governor to be re-elected back-to-back since 1999, a testament to his approach to governance and his ability to unite the state’s stakeholders across party lines,” Bamidele said.

He expressed optimism that the governor’s second term would consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen development initiatives, and further position Ekiti State as a model of good governance and political stability in the country.

Bamidele also thanked the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election and for demonstrating their faith in democracy through their active participation in the electoral process.

He equally thanked the national and state leadership of APC for providing a vibrant platform and much-needed support that contributed the victory.