Oyebanji Secures Second Term as INEC Presents Certificate of Return in Ekiti

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday officially presented Certificates of Return to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, formally confirming their victory in the 20 June governorship election.

The ceremony, held in Ado-Ekiti, marked the conclusion of the electoral process that returned the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for a second term and cemented his place in the state’s political history as the first governor to secure consecutive re-election since Ekiti State was created in 1996.

Presenting the certificates, INEC National Commissioner supervising Ekiti, Oyo and Lagos States, Sam Olumekun, described the election as peaceful, credible and reflective of the will of the electorate.

He commended voters, political parties, election officials, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media for their roles in ensuring a largely smooth electoral process.

“Today’s event marks the formal conclusion of one phase of the electoral process and the beginning of another important phase in the democratic governance of the state,” Olumekun said, while urging the governor and his deputy to see their re-election as a renewed mandate for service delivery.

Oyebanji secured a decisive victory in the election, polling 319,224 votes to defeat 13 other candidates across the state’s 16 local government areas.

His closest rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Wole Oluyede, scored 40,543 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dare Bejide, came third with 12,872 votes. The ADC candidate has, however, rejected the outcome, alleging widespread vote-buying and calling for further review of the process.

Similarly, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) raised concerns over reported irregularities, including allegations of vote-buying, inconsistencies in sensitive materials and malfunctioning voter accreditation devices during the election.

Despite these concerns, the poll has been widely described as one of the most decisive governorship victories in Ekiti’s democratic history.

Oyebanji’s re-election also marks a political milestone in the state, as no incumbent governor had previously won consecutive re-election since 1996. Past governors, including Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi, either failed in re-election bids or served non-consecutive terms.

Political observers have attributed the governor’s victory to broad political alliances, cross-party appeal and support from key stakeholders across the state.

In his remarks after receiving the Certificate of Return, Oyebanji thanked voters, political leaders, party members and INEC for what he described as a peaceful and credible election.

He also extended an olive branch to his opponents, urging all political actors to put the election behind them and work together for the development of Ekiti State.

“The election is over; now is the time to work together for the development of our state,” the governor said.

Oyebanji further commended INEC for conducting what he described as a professional and transparent process, adding that lessons from the election would help strengthen future democratic exercises in Nigeria.

He pledged continued commitment to inclusive governance and to sustaining programmes aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and economic development across the state.

Earlier, the Ekiti Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, described the election as one of the most peaceful governorship polls conducted in the state, noting that preparations began about a year in advance.

He said INEC remained committed to improving electoral processes and ensuring credible elections in future cycles across the country.