INEC Declares Oyebanji Winner of Ekiti Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, securing a fresh mandate to continue leading the state for another term.

The declaration followed the conclusion of voting, collation, and verification of results from polling units across the state’s 16 local government areas.

Announcing the result, INEC stated that Oyebanji polled the highest number of valid votes cast, defeating candidates of other political parties in what observers described as a keenly contested election.

The victory is seen as a major endorsement of the governor’s administration and its policies, with supporters arguing that voters rewarded his government for ongoing development projects and governance initiatives across the state.

Celebrations erupted in parts of Ekiti State shortly after the announcement, as APC supporters gathered to mark the party’s electoral success.

The governorship election witnessed the deployment of thousands of electoral officials and security personnel across the state to ensure a peaceful and credible process.

INEC’s use of the IReV portal for uploading polling unit results was also closely monitored by political parties, election observers, and civil society organizations seeking to enhance transparency in the electoral process.

While the election was generally reported to be peaceful in many areas, observers are expected to release detailed assessments of the conduct of the poll in the coming days.

Following the declaration, political stakeholders began reacting to the outcome of the election.

Supporters of Governor Oyebanji described the result as a reflection of public confidence in his leadership, while opposition parties are expected to review the results and determine their next course of action.

Analysts say the outcome could have broader political implications ahead of future elections, particularly as parties continue to position themselves within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

With the election concluded, attention is expected to shift toward governance and the implementation of policies aimed at addressing key challenges facing the state, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare, job creation, and economic growth.

The governor is expected to outline priorities for his new term as he seeks to build on achievements recorded during his first tenure.

The Ekiti governorship election is one of the most significant political contests in the state’s democratic history. Oyebanji’s victory reinforces the APC’s political strength in the state while providing continuity in leadership and governance.

INEC has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji winner of the Ekiti governorship election, securing him another term in office after emerging victorious in the closely watched poll.