The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has described the overwhelming re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, as a clear endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s governance agenda and a strong vote of confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Uzodinma made the remarks at the Ekiti State Government House shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji winner of the governorship election in the early hours of Sunday.
According to the electoral body, Oyebanji secured a resounding victory with 319,224 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Wole Oluyede, who polled 40,543 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Oluwadare Bejide, finished third with 12,872 votes.
The victory is historic, making Oyebanji the first sitting governor in Ekiti State to win re-election for a second consecutive term.
Reacting to the outcome, Uzodinma said the result reflected the electorate’s appreciation of the governor’s performance and demonstrated growing confidence in the APC’s leadership at both the state and federal levels.
“We are indeed very happy that we have won. We are also pleased that the people have shown their appreciation for the outstanding performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji,” he said.
He noted that the massive support recorded during the election was evidence of public trust in Oyebanji’s administration.
“The overwhelming support for our governor is a clear demonstration of confidence in his leadership and performance. We are proud as a party and as progressive governors that one of our own has shown that good governance produces positive results,” Uzodinma added.
The PGF chairman also commended President Tinubu’s leadership, saying the administration’s policies were increasingly gaining acceptance among Nigerians despite prevailing economic challenges.
He urged citizens to remain patient and supportive as the APC-led government continues efforts to address national issues and drive development.
Uzodinma further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and good health for Oyebanji to sustain the developmental strides recorded in Ekiti State.
Also speaking, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the election as a model for future democratic exercises in Nigeria, praising INEC and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful, credible, and violence-free process.
“This is the first time in the democratic history of Ekiti State that a sitting governor has won re-election back-to-back and done so in such a convincing manner,” Abiodun said.
He added that the orderly conduct of the poll provides optimism for future elections, including the 2027 general elections.
“Everything went very well. This is an indication of what future elections, including those of 2027, could look like. We are very excited about the future of democracy in Nigeria,” he stated.
Abiodun congratulated Oyebanji, his family, cabinet members, the APC faithful in Ekiti and across the country, as well as Nigerians, for what he described as a successful democratic exercise.
