Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, have received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The presentation ceremony took place on Tuesday at the INEC office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The certificates were presented by National Commissioner Sam Olumekun, who oversees Lagos, Oyo and Ekiti states.
A large crowd of supporters gathered at the commission’s office to witness the event.
Oyebanji secured victory in the June 20 governorship election with 319,224 votes.
The result made him the first governor in Ekiti State to win two consecutive electoral mandates.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, the governor thanked residents for renewing his mandate.
He described the election outcome as a strong endorsement of his administration’s performance.
Oyebanji pledged to build on the achievements of his first term.
He promised to pursue policies aimed at improving welfare, boosting economic growth and expanding infrastructure.
The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable development across the state.
Accompanied by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, he expressed gratitude to the people for their support.
He commended INEC for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent election.
The governor also praised security agencies and electoral officials for their professionalism during the poll.
According to him, amendments to the Electoral Act contributed significantly to the success of the election.
“Let me first appreciate God for His faithfulness; today would not have been possible without Him.
“After God, I must acknowledge the support of President Bola Tinubu, ” he said.
He specifically praised the President for signing the amended Electoral Act into law.
“This election is the first to be conducted under the amended Electoral Act.
“The improvement in INEC’s performance is evident.
“The Commission deserves commendation for its professionalism, fairness and transparency,” he said.
The governor also applauded Ekiti residents for maintaining peace throughout the electoral process.
He noted that the election was among the most peaceful in the state’s history.
“I also commend the security agencies and the good people of Ekiti for ensuring a peaceful process,” he said.
“As a State just 29 years old, this stands as one of our most peaceful elections.”
Oyebanji called on his opponents to work with his administration for the development of the state.
He stressed that the victory should be seen as a collective achievement for all residents.
Earlier, National Commissioner Olumekun praised voters and stakeholders for their conduct during the election.
He described the governorship poll as an example of democratic maturity and peaceful participation.
Olumekun reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to credible, transparent and inclusive elections across the country.
Similarly, Ekiti Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, congratulated the governor on his victory.
He said the Certificate of Return represents both electoral success and the trust reposed in the governor by citizens.
Several government officials, party leaders and political stakeholders attended the ceremony.
