Gov Oyebanji receives certificate of return from INEC

By Rotimi Ojomoyela 

Ado-Ekiti—The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded governorship election and the re-elected Governor in Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pledging to deepen good governance and accelerate sustainable development across the State.

The National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Ekiti and Osun States, Sam Olumekun, presented the certificate to Governor Oyebanji at a brief ceremony held at the INEC State Office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

His running mate and incumbent Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, also received her certificate at the event.

Recall that the Returning Officer for the election conducted by INEC, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, declared Oyebanji of the All Progressive Congress (APC) winner of Saturday’s governorship poll after he secured 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Dr. Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 40,543 votes, while the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ambassador Dare Bejide, came a distant third with 12,872 votes.

Speaking shortly after receiving the certificate, Governor Oyebanji, accompanied by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, expressed profound appreciation to the people of Ekiti State for renewing his mandate, describing the election outcome as a strong vote of confidence in his administration.

The Governor stated that his second term would focus on consolidating existing achievements while implementing policies to improve citizens’ welfare, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen infrastructure across the State.

He commended INEC, security agencies and electoral officials for their professionalism and commitment to delivering a peaceful, free, and credible election, noting significant improvements following amendments to the Electoral Act.

Governor Oyebanji also lauded the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election, emphasizing that the victory belongs to all residents of the State. He called on other contestants to join hands with his administration in advancing the development of Ekiti.

His words, “Let me first appreciate God for His faithfulness; today would not have been possible without Him. After God, I must acknowledge the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly for his courage in signing the new Electoral Act into law.

“This election is the first to be conducted under the amended Electoral Act, and the improvement in INEC’s performance is evident. The Commission deserves commendation for its professionalism, fairness, and transparency.

“I also commend the security agencies and the good people of Ekiti for ensuring a peaceful process. As a State just 29 years old, this stands as one of our most peaceful elections, reflecting the positive reforms shaping our political culture”.

Earlier in his remarks, the National Commissioner, Olumekun, praised the peaceful conduct of Ekiti residents and described the election as a model of democratic practice.

He also appreciated security agencies and stakeholders for their roles in the successful conduct of the poll and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible and inclusive elections.

Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, congratulated Governor Oyebanji on his victory, noting that the Certificate of Return symbolizes not just electoral success but also the trust and expectations placed on him by the people.

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