Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated the governor of Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election, describing the outcome as a clear validation of his leadership style and governance record in Ekiti State.

Bamidele, who chaired the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign council in the state, said the renewed mandate would guarantee continuity in policies already driving development, peace, and political stability across Ekiti.

In a statement issued Sunday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, the Senate Leader said Oyebanji’s victory “signals a stronger, brighter and more united Ekiti,” adding that the governor’s first term laid a solid foundation for long-term progress.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Oyebanji winner of the poll after collation in Ado-Ekiti. The Returning Officer, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Adenike Oladiji, announced that the governor polled 319,224 votes.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Wole Oluyede, scored 40,543 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Mr. Dare Bejide, secured 12,872 votes.

Bamidele said the result reflected the people’s confidence in Oyebanji’s leadership, noting that his administration had helped reduce political tension and foster cooperation among key stakeholders across party lines.

He also commended the governor for sustaining strong relationships with former governors and political actors in the state, describing the level of unity achieved as “rare in Nigeria’s political environment.”

According to him, Oyebanji’s re-election is historic, making him the first governor in Ekiti to secure back-to-back victories since 1999, a development he said underscores public trust in his administration.

The Senate Leader expressed optimism that the second term would deepen ongoing reforms, accelerate development projects, and further position Ekiti as a model of governance and political stability.

He also praised voters for their peaceful conduct before, during, and after the election, and commended the APC leadership at both national and state levels for their role in securing the victory.