Ekiti 2026: No Winners, No Losers— Gov. Oyebanji Reacts To Re-election Victory
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has described his landslide re-election victory in Saturday's governorship election as a mandate for unity and continued development, declaring that there are "no winners or losers" in the contest.
Oyebanji, who secured victory in all 16 local government areas of the state, said the outcome of the election reflected the collective desire of Ekiti people for stability, progress and sustained development.
In a statement posted on his social media handle shortly after his victory was announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the governor said, "The voice of the people has reverberated from every part of our great state, and the message is clear."
He added, "I am deeply humbled by the scale of this victory. Securing a clean sweep across all 16 local government areas and 85 per cent of the popular vote is a humbling vote of confidence from Ekiti Kete."
According to him, the overwhelming support received across the state underscored the electorate's commitment to a prosperous future.
"From our urban centres to our most remote communities, you have spoken with one thunderous voice for continuous development, stability and a future of endless opportunities," he said.
The governor pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by the people, stressing that his administration would deepen its efforts to improve the lives of residents across the state.
"This mandate means that our work must touch every household even deeper. There are no winners or losers today; there is only one united Ekiti determined to continue its journey of upward mobility," Oyebanji stated.
He further assured the people of inclusive governance, saying, "I pledge to honour this immense trust by continuing to lead with humility, dedication and fairness."
The governor also expressed appreciation to the electorate, declaring: "Thank you, Ekiti Kete, for making history with us."
Earlier, INEC had declared Oyebanji, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, winner of the 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
The Returning Officer for the election, Adenike Oladiji, announced the results in the early hours of Sunday at the commission's headquarters in Ado-Ekiti.
"Therefore, I, Adenike Oladiji, the Returning Officer for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, hereby declare that Oyebanji Abiodun Abayomi, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is declared the winner and stands re-elected," she said.
According to the official results, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challengers, Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, who secured 40,533 votes, and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, who garnered 12,872 votes.
INEC disclosed that out of the state's 988,251 registered voters, 384,940 were accredited for the election. A total of 382,109 votes were cast, with 375,777 declared valid.
The election also produced a setback for the PDP candidate, Oluyede, who lost his home local government area of Efon. In Efon Local Government Area, Oyebanji polled 8,742 votes, while Oluyede secured 2,051 votes.