Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has expressed profound gratitude to the people of the state for the overwhelming support that secured his re-election in the June 20 governorship election. Oyebanji, who won all 177 wards and the 16 local government areas in the poll, described the renewed mandate as humbling and pledged to continue delivering quality governance to the people.
In a statement issued on Monday in Ado Ekiti by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor thanked residents for their support and for ensuring that the election was conducted peacefully across the state. He also extended an olive branch to his opponents, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Wole Oluyede, and the African Democratic Congress candidate, Dare Bejide, urging them to work with his administration for the development of Ekiti State.
According to the governor, the peaceful conduct of the election reflected the maturity and exemplary behaviour of the people throughout the three-month electioneering period. He commended traditional rulers, political leaders, religious organisations, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their contributions to maintaining peace before, during, and after the election.
Oyebanji said, “I owe all Ekiti sons and daughters, at home and in the diaspora, a debt of gratitude for their overwhelming support and for the fresh mandate to serve for another four years. This is truly humbling, and I do not take the trust for granted.
“Very importantly, I thank Ekitikete for their deliberate commitment to ensuring a peaceful election, devoid of violence or bloodshed, thereby setting a new standard for electoral conduct.
“Our profound appreciation goes to our traditional rulers for promoting peace in their domains, as well as to leaders of political parties and religious bodies for preaching and exemplifying peaceful coexistence.
“We also extend our sincere gratitude to former Governors of the state – Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Engr. Segun Oni, and Dr Kayode Fayemi – for their support for the administration and commitment to the unity and progress of Ekiti State.
“Special thanks to serving and former members of the National and State Assemblies; members of the State Executive Council, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria; and the Campaign Council led by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
“We commend the heads and personnel of all security agencies, including the Army, Police, DSS, and other paramilitary bodies, for their professionalism and for the effective inter-agency collaboration in ensuring peace before, during, and after the election.
“We are equally grateful to members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for their dedication and magnanimity in victory, as well as to leaders of labour unions, workers, teachers, local government employees, the media, youth and students’ bodies, artisans, market women, transport unions, and commercial motorcyclists.”
The governor also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as significant improvements in the conduct of the election compared to previous exercises in the state. He attributed the progress to the dedication of electoral officials and the effectiveness of the Electoral Act signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
Reaffirming his commitment to the people, Oyebanji pledged to work harder during his second term to deliver greater dividends of democracy and accelerate development across the state.
He also expressed gratitude to God for the achievements recorded by his administration over the past three years and eight months in office.
