A calm atmosphere enveloped Ado-Ekiti as well as major towns and communities across Ekiti State on Sunday after the early declaration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the winner of the 2026 governorship election.
The election, which was conducted on Saturday, June 20, 2026, across the state’s 16 local government areas, culminated in the re-election of the incumbent governor under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Oyebanji the winner in the early hours of Sunday, securing him a second term in office.
Visits to various parts of Ado-Ekiti and other major towns revealed that residents had resumed their normal activities, with many attending worship services and social gatherings without any sign of tension or unrest.
Many residents described the outcome of the election as expected, citing the governor’s popularity and performance during his first term. They expressed optimism that the administration would sustain the ongoing developmental projects and accelerate infrastructure development across the state.
Speaking with journalists, residents largely commended the peaceful conduct of the election and urged the governor-elect to build on the achievements recorded in road construction, healthcare, education, and economic development.
However, for citizens, security remains a major concern. Several citizens called on the governor-elect to intensify efforts toward strengthening the state security architecture to address the rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities that have emerged in parts of the state in recent times.
“We expect the governor to do more in the area of security. The issue of kidnapping is becoming a concern, and residents want stronger measures to protect lives and property,” a resident said.
Others appealed for increased investment in job creation, youth empowerment, and rural development to improve the living conditions of citizens across the state.
With the election concluded and the outcome accepted by many residents, attention is gradually shifting from politics to governance, with Ekiti people looking forward to the delivery of more democratic dividends.
The peaceful atmosphere observed across the state after the announcement of the results reflects the maturity of the electorate and the desire of citizens for continued peace, stability, and development in Ekiti State.
