Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election, urging opposition candidates and residents of the state to accept the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election and support the governor’s second term.
Dr. Fayemi, who governed the state between 2010 and 2014, and again from 2018 to 2022, described Governor Oyebanji’s victory as a clear endorsement of his administration by Ekiti voters.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Fayemi Media Office, the former governor said the governor’s victory across all 16 local government areas reflected the confidence many residents had in his leadership and the direction of his administration.
“I join other well-meaning Ekiti citizens and friends of our dear state in congratulating Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his decisive re-election. This victory is a powerful statement by our people that they recognise and appreciate purposeful governance,” Mr Fayemi said.
He also praised voters for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the election, describing their participation as another demonstration of the state’s democratic culture.
The former governor commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for overseeing what he described as a largely peaceful exercise. He urged Governor Oyebanji to build on the achievements of his first term by sustaining investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and human capital development.
Dr. Fayemi also appealed to candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, the African Democratic Congress and other political parties to accept the verdict of the electorate and place the state’s interest above partisan politics.
“Elections are contests, not wars. I urge the other candidates who contested this election to take the lessons from it in good faith and join hands with Governor Oyebanji in the task of building our state,” he said.
According to him, Ekiti’s development depends on cooperation across political divides, adding that the state’s progress has always been strongest when leaders and citizens worked towards shared goals.
He further called on Ekiti indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to rally behind the governor as he begins a fresh four-year mandate.
“Our state has always thrived when we set aside our political differences and worked together for the common good. I therefore call on all Ekiti sons and daughters, at home and in the diaspora, to continue to support Governor Oyebanji and his administration as he begins this new term,” Dr. Fayemi added.
Governor Oyebanji secured re-election after winning in all 16 local government areas, extending the governing party’s hold on the state and setting the stage for another four years in office.
