ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, on Tuesday received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following their victory in the June 20 governorship election.
The certificates were presented by the National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Ekiti and Lagos States, Sam Olumekun, during a ceremony held at the INEC State Office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Oyebanji, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 319,224 votes in the election, becoming the first governor in Ekiti State’s history to win two consecutive electoral mandates.
The event attracted a large crowd of supporters who gathered at the INEC office complex and adjoining streets to witness the occasion.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, the governor, accompanied by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, thanked the people of Ekiti State for renewing his mandate, describing the election outcome as a strong endorsement of his administration’s performance.
READ ALSO: INEC Declares Oyebanji Winner Of Ekiti Guber Election
He pledged to use his second term to consolidate on existing achievements while introducing policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, boosting economic growth and expanding infrastructure across the state.
Oyebanji also commended INEC, security agencies and electoral officials for ensuring a peaceful, free and credible election. He noted that the conduct of the poll reflected significant improvements following amendments to the Electoral Act.
The governor further praised Ekiti residents for maintaining peace before, during and after the election, stressing that the victory belonged to all citizens of the state. He called on other contestants in the election to work with his administration in advancing the state’s development.
“Let me first appreciate God for His faithfulness; today would not have been possible without Him. After God, I must acknowledge the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly for his courage in signing the new Electoral Act into law.
“This election is the first to be conducted under the amended Electoral Act, and the improvement in INEC’s performance is evident. The Commission deserves commendation for its professionalism, fairness, and transparency.
“I also commend the security agencies and the good people of Ekiti for ensuring a peaceful process. As a State just 29 years old, this stands as one of our most peaceful elections, reflecting the positive reforms shaping our political culture,” he said.
READ ALSO: Oyebanji Pledges Faster Development After Ekiti Election Victory
Earlier, Olumekun described the election as a model of democratic practice and commended Ekiti residents for their peaceful conduct. He also praised security agencies and other stakeholders for contributing to the successful conduct of the poll, while reaffirming INEC’s commitment to strengthening democracy through credible and inclusive elections.
Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, congratulated Oyebanji on his victory, noting that the Certificate of Return symbolises not only electoral success but also the trust and expectations reposed in him by the electorate.
Among dignitaries present at the ceremony were the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Senator representing Ekiti North and Director-General of the Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi; APC State Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habitat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, and local government chairmen.