Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has pledged to step up efforts to boost economic growth, reduce poverty and expand opportunities for residents after securing re-election.
Oyebanji won the governorship election with 319,224 votes across the state’s 16 local government areas, defeating his closest challengers.
Speaking after the declaration of the results, the governor said the victory was a renewed mandate to build on his administration’s achievements and deliver greater prosperity to the people.
“The best has just begun,” he said, promising to accelerate ongoing projects and implement policies aimed at improving the quality of life of Ekiti residents.
He said his administration would remain focused on tackling poverty and inequality while expanding development in key sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment.
Oyebanji dedicated the victory to the people of Ekiti, describing it as a vote of confidence in his administration.
He also thanked leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), members of the campaign councils, volunteers, religious and traditional leaders, labour unions, artisans, market women, and persons living with disabilities for their support.
The governor also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and election officials for conducting what he described as a peaceful and credible election.
The election, however, recorded some challenges.
INEC said all 2,445 polling units opened for voting, although 188 experienced minor delays before operations began.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Oluwole Oluyede, alleged BVAS-related accreditation problems, voter harassment and intimidation in parts of the state, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dare Bejide, also raising concerns over alleged irregularities.
Oyebanji dismissed the allegations, saying anyone making such claims should provide evidence.
Election security officials also said no cases of vote-buying were officially reported during the exercise.
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