Re‑elected Senator Oyebanji Will Continue Ekiti’s Development and Unity, Says Bamidele

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Leader of the Senate, has extended congratulations to All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on his re‑election, calling the result a clear endorsement of Oyebanji’s leadership and governance record.

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

In a statement released by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday, he described the victory as “a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti.”

The final results were announced at the collation centre in Ado‑Ekiti, the state capital, by the Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji, on Sunday morning.

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

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

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

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

Bamidele explained that the election outcome “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 active participation in the electoral process.

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