It was past midnight in Ado-Ekiti. Inside the INEC collation hall, tension hung in the air as party agents, observers and supporters waited for the final declaration.
Then came the defining moment. Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of FUTA and Returning Officer for the election, rose to announce the official result.
“Therefore, I, Adenike Oladiji, hereby declare that Oyebanji Abiodun Abayomi, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is duly elected and stands re-elected.”
The announcement triggered wild celebrations as APC supporters erupted in chants, confirming what had become increasingly clear throughout the collation process — Governor Biodun Oyebanji had secured a commanding second-term mandate from the people of Ekiti State.
The Numbers That Told the Story
When the final votes were counted, the result was emphatic.
Biodun Oyebanji (APC) – 319,224 votes
Olumayokun Oluyede (PDP) – 40,533 votes
Oluwadare Bejide (ADC) – 12,872 votes
Out of 988,251 registered voters, 384,940 participated in the election. A total of 382,109 votes were cast, while 375,777 were declared valid.
The figures painted a clear picture of an electorate that overwhelmingly backed the incumbent governor.
APC’s Complete Sweep
Oyebanji’s victory was not merely a win; it was a political sweep of remarkable proportions.
The APC captured all 16 local government areas in the state, leaving no foothold for the opposition. One of the most striking outcomes came from Efon LGA, home local government of PDP candidate Olumayokun Oluyede.
In Efon, the APC polled 8,742 votes against the PDP’s 2,051 votes, while the ADC secured 201 votes.
From Ado-Ekiti to Ikole, Ijero to Moba, Ekiti West to Ekiti East, and Irepodun/Ifelodun to Efon, the APC’s dominance stretched across every corner of the state.
Ekiti Delivers Its Verdict
Saturday’s governorship election served as a referendum on Oyebanji’s first term. Sunday’s declaration provided the answer.
With victories in all 16 local governments and a massive margin over his closest challenger, Biodun Oyebanji returns to Government House with one of the strongest mandates in Ekiti’s democratic history.
For the opposition, the outcome signals the need for reflection and rebuilding. For the APC, it represents a resounding endorsement from the electorate.
Ekiti has spoken. INEC has validated the decision. And Biodun Oyebanji stands re-elected as governor of Ekiti State.
