In a landmark political development that has reshaped the electoral history of Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a resounding re-election victory, becoming the first incumbent governor in the state’s history to win back-to-back terms.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji the winner of the Saturday, June 20, 2026, gubernatorial election after he polled massive 319,224 votes, defeating his closest rival who garnered 40,543 votes.
The victory was characterized by a
clean sweep across all 16 local governments areas of the state, securing an unprecedented 85 percent of the popular vote.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swiftly extended his congratulations to the re-elected governor, describing the renewed mandate as a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and the people-centered governance that characterized Oyebanji’s first term.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful and orderly conduct during the polls.
He noted that the electorate’s decision to repose their trust in Governor Oyebanji was a testament to significant strides made under the administration’s “BAO agenda,” focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare, and rural development.
“The renewed mandate is therefore a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance,” President Tinubu stated.
The President further urged the governor to remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all the Ekiti people along as he consolidates his achievements over the next four years.
The President also took the opportunity to commend law enforcement agencies for maintaining order and charged INEC to continue its investment in conducting peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections, particularly with the Osun governorship election approaching in August and the general elections slated for next year.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the Ekiti State Government to deliver more democratic dividends and accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda across
Nigeria.
Reacting to his historic win, an elated Governor Oyebanji expressed deep humility at the scale of his victory, describing it as a “humbling vote of confidence from Ekiti Kete.”
“The voice of the people has reverberated from every part of our great state, and the message is clear,” Oyebanji declared in his victory statement.
“From our urban centers to our most remote communities, you have spoken with one thunderous voice for continuous development, stability, and a future of endless opportunities.”
The governor emphasized that the overwhelming mandate means his administration’s work must touch every household even more deeply in his second term.
Striking a unifying tone, he extended an olive branch to his opponents, declaring that there are no winners or losers, but only “one united Ekiti determined to continue its journey of upward mobility.”
“I pledge to honor this immense trust by continuing to lead with humility, dedication, and fairness,” Oyebanji promised, concluding with gratitude to the people for making history alongside him.
The election, which featured 12 candidates including Oyebanji 2 , was closely watched as a test of the APC’s stronghold in the South-West region.
Oyebanji’s performance not only broke the long-standing jinx of single-term governorships in Ekiti State but also
demonstrated widespread endorsement of his administration’s policies over the past four years.
As the celebrations settle, the focus will now shift to the governor’s second-term agenda and his ability to fulfill the promise of deeper, more impactful governance for the people of Ekiti.
