Tinubu Congratulates Oyebanji on Ekiti 2026 Victory, Calls It ‘Clear Vote of Confidence’

Tinubu Congratulates Oyebanji on Ekiti 2026 Victory, Calls It Clear Vote of Confidence

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the re-election of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a strong endorsement of continuity, stability, and people-focused governance, following the governor’s decisive victory in the Saturday governorship election. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officially declared Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner on Sunday morning, confirming his second term in office. This marks a historic moment as Oyebanji becomes the first governor in Ekiti State’s history to win re-election back-to-back, a milestone that underscores public confidence in his leadership.

In a congratulatory message released through his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the people of Ekiti for their peaceful participation and orderly conduct during the election. He commended the electorate for reposing their trust in Governor Oyebanji, noting that the overwhelming victory reflects the people’s desire for sustained progress and stability. The President also acknowledged the role of law enforcement agencies in maintaining security and ensuring a calm electoral environment across the state.

Tinubu highlighted the achievements of Oyebanji’s first term, which saw significant improvements in key sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare, and rural development. These accomplishments, he said, were central to the governor’s agenda and have directly contributed to the renewed mandate. The President emphasized that the re-election is not just a personal victory for Oyebanji, but a collective affirmation of policies that prioritize the welfare of the people.

As Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections, including the Osun governorship election in August and the general elections next year, Tinubu urged INEC to maintain the standards set in Ekiti. He called for continued commitment to conducting free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections nationwide. The President’s message serves as both encouragement and a reminder of the importance of electoral integrity in building public trust.

The outcome in Ekiti is seen as a positive indicator for Nigeria’s democratic process, demonstrating that voters are increasingly rewarding performance and accountability. Oyebanji’s re-election is expected to influence political dynamics in the Southwest and beyond, as other governors and political actors look to replicate similar success. With his second term officially underway, Governor Oyebanji now faces the challenge of delivering on expanded expectations while maintaining the momentum of his first term’s achievements.