Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has expressed deep gratitude to the people of the state for their overwhelming support in his re-election during the June 20, 2024, governorship election, which saw him secure a second term in office. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, Oyebanji hailed the peaceful conduct of the election across all 16 local government areas, describing it as a benchmark for democratic elections in Nigeria. He emphasized that the unity and calm exhibited by Ekiti citizens during the three-month electioneering period played a crucial role in ensuring a violence-free and orderly electoral process.
The governor acknowledged the significant contributions of traditional rulers, political party leaders, religious leaders, and civil society actors in sustaining peace throughout the election cycle. He extended special appreciation to former governors of Ekiti State—Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Engr. Segun Oni, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi—for their support and commitment to the state’s unity and progress. Oyebanji also commended serving and former members of the National and State Assemblies, the State Executive Council, ALGON, and the Campaign Council led by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for their roles in the electoral success.
He praised the security agencies, including the Army, Police, DSS, and other paramilitary bodies, for their professionalism and effective collaboration in maintaining peace before, during, and after the election. The governor also thanked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), labour unions, workers, teachers, market women, youth groups, students, artisans, and transport unions for their dedication and support. He noted that the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed marked improvement compared to previous elections, attributing this to the dedication of INEC staff and the implementation of the new Electoral Act signed by President Bola Tinubu.
In his statement, Oyebanji invited the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Party (ADC)—Dr. Wole Oluyede and Ambassador Dare Bejide—to join hands with him in building a more prosperous Ekiti State. He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering greater dividends of democracy in his second term, promising to work harder and more efficiently. The governor also expressed gratitude to God for the achievements recorded during his first term, which spanned three years and eight months.
As Ekiti State embarks on a new chapter under Oyebanji’s leadership, the peaceful re-election sets a powerful precedent for future elections across Nigeria, demonstrating what can be achieved through unity, civic responsibility, and strong institutional collaboration.
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