"Ekiti People Spoke With One Voice" — Oyebanji Thanks Ekiti Voters For Massive Mandate

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed profound gratitude to voters following his victory in the 2026 governorship election, describing the outcome as a clear and resounding endorsement of his administration's record and vision for the state.

Reacting after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of Saturday's governorship election, Oyebanji said the people of Ekiti had "spoken with one voice" in support of continuity, stability and sustained development.

“The voice of the people has reverberated from every part of our great state, and the message is clear,” the governor said.

Oyebanji described the scale of the victory as both historic and humbling, noting that he secured victories across all 16 local government areas of the state while earning what he described as 85 per cent of the popular vote.

“I am deeply humbled by the scale of this victory. Securing a clean sweep across all 16 local government areas and earning 85 percent of the popular vote is a profound vote of confidence from Ekiti Kete.

“From our urban centres to our most remote communities, you have spoken with one thunderous voice in support of continuous development, stability, and a future filled with endless opportunities,” he stated.

The governor said the renewed mandate imposes an even greater responsibility on his administration to deepen development efforts and ensure that the benefits of governance reach every community across the state.

“This mandate is a call to serve even more diligently. It means our work must reach every household more deeply. Today, there are no winners or losers, there is only one united Ekiti, determined to continue its journey of progress and upward mobility,” he said.

Oyebanji pledged to continue leading with humility, fairness and dedication while prioritising the welfare and aspirations of Ekiti residents.

“I pledge to honour this immense trust by continuing to lead with humility, dedication, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of our people.

“Thank you, Ekiti Kete, for making history with us,” he added.

INEC had earlier declared Oyebanji winner of the election after he polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challenger, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, who secured 40,543 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, finished third with 12,872 votes.

The result gives Oyebanji a second term in office and marks a significant political milestone in Ekiti State.

His victory follows months of intense political campaigning and a closely watched governorship contest that attracted national attention.

With the outcome, Oyebanji becomes the first governor in Ekiti State's 30-year history to secure consecutive electoral victories through the ballot box, further strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s hold on the South-West state.