… Say Oyebanji’s landslide victory signposts endorsement of APC’s governance agenda

The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodinma, has described the re-election of the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, as a clear endorsement of the governance agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a vote of confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

While speaking at the Ekiti State Government House, shortly after the emergence of Oyebanji, the Imo State Governor emphasized that the outcome is a testament to the people’s appreciation for outstanding performance and the growing strength of Nigeria’s democracy under the ruling party.

Oyebanji was in the early hours of Sunday declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 40,543 votes.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Oluwadare Bejide, came a distant third with 12,872 votes. The victory marks the first time a sitting governor in Ekiti will secure a second term in office.

Uzodinma commended the leadership of Tinubu, whose policies, he stated, are increasingly being appreciated across the nation.

“We are indeed very happy that we have won. We are also pleased that the people have shown their appreciation for the outstanding performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

“The massive turnout of our supporters in Ekiti State and their overwhelming support for our governor are a clear demonstration of confidence in his leadership and performance.

“We are happy as a party. We are happy as progressive governors. We are proud that one of our own has demonstrated that good governance yields positive results.

“We pray that Almighty God, who granted him this victory, will continue to grant him wisdom, strength, and good health to sustain the good work he is doing in Ekiti State. In the end, all glory belongs to Almighty God.

“I also congratulate Nigerians for their patience and resilience amid the challenges facing the nation under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress. I pray that God will continue to grant them the perseverance and support needed as we work together to make progress as a nation.”

He further noted that the party is proud that one of its own has demonstrated that good governance yields positive results.

On his part, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, who hailed the process as a model for future elections in Nigeria, lauded the INEC and security agencies for conducting a free, fair, and transparent exercise devoid of violence.

“This is the first time in the democratic history of Ekiti State that a sitting governor has won re-election back-to-back and done so in such a convincing manner.”

Abiodun added that the peaceful conduct of the election is an indication of what future polls, including those of 2027, could look like.

“Everything went very well. This is an indication of what future elections, including those of 2027, could look like. We are very excited about the future of democracy in Nigeria.

“Again, I want to congratulate Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his wife, the entire cabinet, the APC family in Ekiti State, the APC family across Nigeria, and indeed all Nigerians.”