Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has dismissed criticism from political opponents following his landslide re-election, insisting that electoral victories are determined by voters at polling units rather than social media campaigns. Speaking after the declaration of the Oyebanji re-election victory, the governor said the outcome reflected the confidence Ekiti residents have in his administration’s performance and governance record.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, winner of the Ekiti governorship election after securing 319,224 votes across the state’s 16 local government areas.
His closest challenger, Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, polled 40,533 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress secured 12,872 votes. The result delivered a decisive Oyebanji re-election victory, extending the governor’s mandate for another term.
Reacting to criticism from opposition figures, Oyebanji argued that political success depends on grassroots engagement and service delivery rather than online commentary.
“There is a saying that a farmer who has diligently tilled the ground does not need to fear the day of harvest,” he said. The governor took aim at critics whom he accused of relying heavily on social media narratives instead of building support among voters.
“Charlatans that have not done anything, they are busy on social media, they are not polling units on social media. And that is my answer to all the shenanigans on social media,” he stated. According to him, public office holders who perform effectively will naturally earn the support of the electorate.
“If you have done well, people will vote for you. But if you don’t have anything to say other than going to media houses to grant interviews and tell lies against the government, stay on social media and whip up sentiments, yesterday was the day of reckoning,” he added.
Following the Oyebanji re-election victory, the governor expressed appreciation to voters for renewing his mandate and pledged to accelerate development initiatives across the state.
He described the election outcome as evidence of a growing political culture built on consensus, peace and cooperation.
“Ekiti has taken a new course and is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the trading currency of our political engagements,” he said. The governor thanked residents for their confidence in his administration and assured them that more progress would follow in the coming years.
Oyebanji pledged to intensify implementation of his administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda, speed up ongoing infrastructure and social development projects, and continue efforts aimed at reducing economic hardship among residents.
“With this renewed mandate, I can only assure you that the best has just begun,” he said.
The governor added that his administration would work harder to improve living standards and expand opportunities for citizens across the state.
The overwhelming Oyebanji re-election victory strengthens the APC’s position in Ekiti State and gives the governor a fresh mandate to pursue his development agenda. The election result also highlights the continuing importance of grassroots mobilisation and voter engagement in determining electoral outcomes.
