…As Buhari hails governor-elect, Ekiti people, INEC, law enforcement
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, winner of the Ekiti State governorship election.
The Returning Officer, who is Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, declared Oyebanji winner of the election after the collation of the results of the supplementary election in seven polling units.
Oyebanji polled a total of 187,057 votes to emerge winner of the poll while the standard bearer of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Engr. Segun Oni, garnered a total of 82, 211 votes to come second in the contest.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Bisi Kolawole, came third with a total of 67,457 votes.
Announcing the results, Prof Adebowale said Oyebanji, having scored the highest number of votes, was declared the winner and returned elected as the governor-elect of Ekiti State.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Oyebanji on his victory at the poll.
The President said the victory is well deserved considering Oyebanji’s contributions to the development of the State and the party before his nomination as the standard-bearer, urging him, however, to be magnanimous in victory in the interest of the people of the State.
Buhari also rejoiced with the APC chairman, Senator Abdulahi Adamu, and the National Working Committee for the victory, the first under the tenure of the newly elected executives of the party.
His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, quoted the President as saying: “This is a good beginning for you and your team. The APC is getting stronger and more united.
“The victory of our party in Ekiti is an indication of the confidence of Nigerians in the ability of our great party to deliver quality governance to all.”
He charged all APC members across and outside the country to see this as a good omen for the 2023 general elections and work assiduously to ensure the party’s victory, continuing the trend with Osun State next month in July.
President Buhari also felicitated the people of Ekiti State for the smooth conduct of the election, affirming that they are the real victors as they have been able to freely choose their leader for the next four years.
He lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the law enforcement agencies for the preparations put in place, urging them to keep the momentum for upcoming elections.