Fresh from securing a second term in office, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pledging to build on his administration’s achievements and accelerate development across the state.
The certificate was presented on Tuesday at the INEC office in Ado Ekiti, where the governor appeared alongside his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, following their victory in the June 20 governorship election.
Oyebanji, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured re-election with 319,224 votes, earning another four-year mandate from voters. Supporters of the ruling party gathered around the INEC premises to celebrate the outcome of the election.
Presenting the certificates, INEC National Commissioner supervising Ekiti, Lagos and Oyo states, Sam Olumekun, formally declared the governor and his deputy returned elected.
Addressing supporters after receiving the certificate, Oyebanji described the victory as a strong endorsement of his administration’s performance and a renewed call to serve the people with greater dedication.
“The renewed mandate is a call to greater service. We will consolidate on the gains of the first term and work harder to ensure that every part of Ekiti feels the impact of government,” he said.
The governor also thanked residents for their support, emphasizing that the victory belonged to all citizens regardless of political affiliation. He promised to focus on policies aimed at improving welfare, boosting economic growth, and expanding infrastructure projects across the state.
Meanwhile, INEC also presented Certificates of Return to winners of the June 20 by-elections conducted in several states, including Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo and Kano.
Among those who received certificates were Ikeje Asogwa, elected to represent Enugu North Senatorial District; Danladi Envulu-Anza of Nasarawa North Senatorial District; Olaka Nwogu; and Rabiu Shuaibu, who won the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency seat in Kano State.
Speaking on behalf of INEC Chairman, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated the winners and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them by voters through effective representation and responsible leadership.
She also commended political parties, candidates, and supporters for maintaining peace throughout the electoral process, noting that the successful conduct of the elections reflected a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
With the electoral process now concluded, attention is expected to shift toward governance, campaign promises, and the delivery of development projects across the affected constituencies and states.
