By Seyi Odewale
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday, received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pledging to consolidate his administration’s achievements and accelerate development across the state following his re-election.
Oyebanji, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), received the certificate alongside his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, during a ceremony at the INEC State Office in Ado-Ekiti.
The governor secured victory in the June 20 governorship election with 319,224 votes, becoming the first governor in Ekiti State’s history to win two consecutive electoral mandates.
Addressing supporters and dignitaries after receiving the certificate, Oyebanji described the election outcome as a strong endorsement of his administration’s performance and promised greater service delivery during his second term.
“The people of Ekiti have renewed their confidence in our administration. We will rededicate ourselves to serving them by deepening good governance, improving welfare, expanding infrastructure and creating more economic opportunities for our people,” he said.
The governor attributed the peaceful conduct of the election to the professionalism of INEC, security agencies and the electorate, while also highlighting the impact of recent electoral reforms.
“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,” Oyebanji stated.
He also praised residents for maintaining peace throughout the electoral 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,” he added.
Calling for unity after the poll, the governor urged his opponents and other stakeholders to join hands with his administration in advancing the state’s development agenda.
Earlier, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Ekiti and Lagos States, Mr Sam Olumekun, who presented the certificate, described the governorship election as a model of democratic practice and commended voters for their peaceful conduct.
Olumekun said the election demonstrated the growing maturity of Nigeria’s democratic process and reaffirmed the electoral body’s commitment to conducting credible and inclusive elections.
Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, congratulated the governor on his victory, noting that the Certificate of Return represented not only electoral success but also the people’s trust and expectations.
A large crowd of APC supporters thronged the INEC office and adjoining streets to witness the presentation ceremony.
Among dignitaries present were Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Director-General of the APC Campaign Council; APC State Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and local government chairmen.
