Reactions trail Biodun Oyebanji’s historic second-term victory in Ekiti as supporters celebrate while opposition parties dispute the election outcome
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a place in Ekiti State’s political history after winning re-election and becoming the first governor since the state’s creation in 1996 to secure two consecutive terms in office.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji winner of the 2026 governorship election after he polled 319,224 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, who garnered 40,543 votes.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, finished third with 12,872 votes.
The result was announced in Ado-Ekiti by the election’s Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Professor Adenike Oladiji.
Oyebanji’s victory was particularly remarkable as he won in all 177 wards and across the state’s 16 local government areas, producing one of the most dominant electoral performances in Ekiti’s history.
Speaking after the declaration, the governor thanked residents for their support and described the result as a renewed call to service.
“This mandate is a call to greater service,” Oyebanji said, pledging to continue governing with humility, courage, compassion and accountability.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to implementing Ekiti’s 30-Year Development Plan, which he described as a blueprint for the state’s long-term growth and prosperity.
The result quickly generated widespread reactions both within and outside the state, with supporters hailing the outcome as a powerful endorsement of the governor’s first-term performance.
Across social media platforms, congratulatory messages poured in as many residents and political observers celebrated the historic achievement.
Supporters pointed to achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment as factors behind the overwhelming victory.
Several commentators also credited Oyebanji’s ability to maintain cordial relationships across political divides, arguing that his inclusive approach to governance helped broaden his appeal among voters.
However, the election outcome has not been without controversy.
ADC candidate Dare Bejide rejected the results, alleging widespread irregularities, voter intimidation and vote-buying during the election.
“My immediate reaction is to reject the result in its entirety because the exercise was not credible,” Bejide said, while indicating that his party would review the results before deciding on further action.
Similarly, PDP candidate Dr Wole Oluyede accused the APC of influencing voters through cash inducements and intimidation, allegations that have not been officially substantiated by electoral authorities.
The criticisms sparked further debate online, with some users questioning the scale of the governor’s victory and calling for closer scrutiny of allegations raised by opposition parties.
Political analysts say the election could have broader implications beyond Ekiti, particularly as political parties begin positioning themselves for future off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.
Adding to the significance of the victory, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Oyebanji, describing the outcome as an endorsement of continuity and effective governance.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the peaceful conduct of voters and praised security agencies for maintaining order during the election.
Tinubu also highlighted achievements recorded under Oyebanji’s administration in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth employment and rural development.
The President urged the governor to remain inclusive during his second term and continue delivering development for all residents of Ekiti State.
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As celebrations continue and opposition parties weigh their next steps, Oyebanji’s re-election has already entered the history books, marking a defining moment in Ekiti’s political evolution nearly three decades after the state’s creation.
