The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti State. Oyebanji secured 319,224 votes, defeating 13 other candidates, including his closest rival Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 40,533 votes, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Dare Bejide with 2,872 votes.
Historic Re-Election Achievement
Oyebanji's victory marks him as the first Ekiti governor to win consecutive re-election since 1999. The state has historically been a political battleground where incumbents often struggle to retain power. Former Governor Kayode Fayemi won a second term in 2018, but only after leaving office and returning through another election cycle, not as an incumbent seeking immediate re-election.
Campaign Focus and Voter Turnout
Oyebanji campaigned on continuity, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and investment promotion. He emerged as the APC candidate through a consensus arrangement after his only primary challenger withdrew. INEC reported 384,940 accredited voters out of 988,251 registered, with 382,109 votes cast and 375,777 valid votes.
Opposition and Election Conduct
The election featured candidates from 13 parties, including the PDP, ADC, Labour Party, and others. PREMIUM TIMES observed that the APC maintained a strong lead across all 16 local government areas. The election was conducted across 2,445 polling units under heavy security. President Bola Tinubu and Oyebanji had appealed for peace, while INEC assured timely distribution of materials.
Political Implications
Analysts view the outcome as a test of APC's popularity in the South-West ahead of the 2027 general elections. Oyebanji's win underscores his political strength in a state where incumbency has not always guaranteed success. Attention now shifts to opposition reactions and preparations for the governor's second-term inauguration.
