Ekiti Votes Continuity: Oyebanji Secures Historic Second Term

Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor of Ekiti State, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on his re-election, describing the outcome as a strong endorsement of his leadership and governance record.

Bamidele, who served as Chairman of the APC Governorship Election Campaign Council in Ekiti State, said the governor’s renewed mandate would ensure continuity in delivering impactful governance and accelerate development across the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele congratulated Oyebanji and the APC, noting that the victory represents “a signpost for a better, brighter and greater Ekiti.”
The Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji, announced the final results at the collation centre in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday morning.
According to the Returning Officer, Oyebanji secured 319,224 votes in the election. The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Wole Oluyede, came second with 40,543 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Mr. Dare Bejide, polled 12,872 votes.
Bamidele stated that Oyebanji’s leadership has promoted peace, unity, and stability in Ekiti State, transforming the political environment from one often marked by division, hostility, and toxic politics into one driven by cooperation, collaboration, and synergy in governance.
He said one of the governor’s most notable achievements has been his ability to unite political leaders and stakeholders across party lines around a common vision for the state’s development.
The Senate Leader particularly praised Oyebanji for maintaining strong and cordial relationships with former governors and other key political figures in the state, describing the level of harmony and shared purpose among Ekiti leaders as uncommon in Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to him, the election result reflects the confidence of the people in Oyebanji’s leadership, commitment to good governance, and dedication to the welfare and prosperity of Ekiti residents.
“Oyebanji’s approach to governance and politics significantly contributed to his re-election. He made history in Ekiti State as the first governor to be re-elected back-to-back since 1999, a testament to his approach to governance and his ability to unite the state’s stakeholders across party lines,” Bamidele said.
He expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen development programmes, and further position Ekiti State as a model of good governance and political stability in Nigeria.
Bamidele also commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct before, during, and after the election, as well as their active participation in the democratic process.
He further appreciated the national and state leadership of the APC for providing the platform and support that contributed to the governor’s victory, in which he secured 319,224 votes against the 40,543 votes recorded by his closest rival.
Directorate of Media and Public Affairs
Office of the Leader of the Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria
21 June 2026