By The governor-elect of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji has thanked the people of the state for entrusting him with their mandate.
Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner of the governorship election held on Saturday — winning 15 out of the 16 LGAs in the state.
The former Secretary to the State Government polled 187,057 votes to beat his two main challengers — Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Bisi Kolawole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who secured 82,211 and 67,457 votes, respectively.
Reacting to his victory in a statement, Oyebanji said he and the deputy governor-elect, Monisade Afuye appreciated everyone who ensured the peaceful conduct of the election.
“Ekiti Kete, we are grateful for the privilege you have given to us to bear your sacred mandate at this crucial time in history,” he said.
“We recognise that on October 16, 2022 when by the grace of God we would be inaugurated into office, we are expected to immediately start to build on the legacies of those who came before us, and honourably govern our state in trust for the generations coming after us.
“It is a duty we campaigned for, and accept with all solemnity and responsibility. In keeping with our covenant with you, we will work ‘Together With You, to Keep Ekiti Working.’”
The governor-elect thanked the leadership and stakeholders of the APC for their support in achieving the gracious victory, while expressing gratitude to security agencies and the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the free and fair exercise.
“In the coming days and weeks, our great party and the incumbent Kayode Fayemi-administration would be working towards finishing well and strong, and completing key legacy projects. We are immensely proud of the legacy our mentor and leader would be leaving behind and thank him,” he added.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier described Oyebanji’s victory as an indication that the APC is growing stronger and united.
