Ekiti State Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in last Saturday’s governorship election, Mr. 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, Mr. Sam Olumekun, presented the certificate to Governor Oyebanji at a brief ceremony held at the INEC State Office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. ) Monisade Afuye, also received her certificate at the event.
Governor Oyebanji won the June 20 governorship election with a total of 319,224 votes, becoming the first governor in Ekiti State’s history to secure two consecutive electoral mandates. Our correspondent reports that a large crowd of supporters thronged the INEC office complex and adjoining streets to witness the historic event. Speaking shortly after receiving the certificate, Governor Oyebanji—who was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji—expressed profound appreciation to the people of Ekiti State for renewing his mandate. He described the outcome of the election 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 aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, stimulating economic growth, and strengthening infrastructure across the state. Earlier, the INEC’s National Commissioner, Mr. Olumekun, praised the peaceful conduct of Ekiti residents, describing the election as a model of democratic practice. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the Certificate of Return symbolizes not just electoral success but also the trust and expectations placed on him by the people.