OYEBANJI RECEIVES INEC CERTIFICATE OF RETURN, PLEDGES GREATER DEVELOPMENT FOR EKITI
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Ekiti State Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in last Saturday’s governorship election.
The certificate was presented by Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Ekiti and Lagos states, during a brief ceremony held at the commission’s state office in Ado-Ekiti. The Deputy Governor and running mate, Monisade Afuye, also received her certificate at the event.
Oyebanji secured victory in the June 20 governorship election with 319,224 votes, becoming the first governor in Ekiti State’s history to win two consecutive electoral mandates. The presentation ceremony attracted a large crowd of APC supporters who gathered around the INEC office complex and adjoining streets to celebrate the milestone.
Speaking shortly after receiving the certificate, the governor expressed gratitude to the people of Ekiti State for renewing his mandate, describing the election outcome as a strong endorsement of his administration’s performance.
He pledged to use his second term to consolidate ongoing achievements while pursuing policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening infrastructure across the state.
Governor Oyebanji also commended INEC, security agencies and electoral officials for ensuring a peaceful, free and credible election, noting that recent amendments to the Electoral Act had significantly improved the electoral process.
He further praised Ekiti residents for their peaceful conduct before, during and after the election, describing the victory as one that belongs to all citizens of the state regardless of political affiliation.
Calling for unity, the governor urged his opponents and other stakeholders to join hands with his administration in advancing the development of Ekiti State.
“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,” Oyebanji said.
He added that the election demonstrated the positive impact of the amended Electoral Act, praising INEC for what he described as professionalism, fairness and transparency throughout the process.
Earlier, Olumekun described the election as a model of democratic practice, commending the peaceful conduct of Ekiti residents and the professionalism displayed by security agencies and electoral stakeholders.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through credible, transparent and inclusive elections.
Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, congratulated the governor on his victory, noting that the Certificate of Return symbolises not only electoral success but also the trust and expectations placed on him by the people.
Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Senator Cyril Fasuyi; APC State Chairman, Sola Elesin; Secretary to the State Government, Habitat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and local government chairmen.
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