Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a landslide victory in the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election, winning all sixteen local government areas of the state and earning a fresh mandate for another four-year term.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Oyebanji winner of the election in the early hours of Sunday at the State Collation Centre located along Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti.

Announcing the final results, the Returning Officer, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), stated that Governor Oyebanji satisfied all constitutional requirements and was therefore duly returned elected.

“Having scored the highest number of lawful votes cast and fulfilled the requirements of the law, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is hereby declared winner and stands re-elected as Governor of Ekiti State,” she announced.

APC Records Massive Victory

According to the final results released by INEC, Governor Oyebanji polled an overwhelming 319,224 votes, defeating his closest challengers by a wide margin.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olumayokun Oluyede, secured 40,533 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dare Bejide, garnered 12,872 votes.

INEC disclosed that out of the state’s 988,251 registered voters, a total of 384,940 voters were accredited for the election.

Of the 382,109 votes cast, 375,777 votes were declared valid, underscoring what observers described as a peaceful and credible electoral process across the state.

Oyebanji Dominates Across Ekiti

The APC candidate maintained a commanding lead throughout the collation process, winning in all the sixteen local government areas.

Particularly significant was the outcome in Efon Local Government Area, the home local government of PDP candidate Olumayokun Oluyede. Despite enjoying home support, the opposition candidate was defeated by Governor Oyebanji.

In Efon LGA, the APC polled 8,742 votes, while the PDP managed 2,051 votes, with the ADC recording 201 votes.

The APC also recorded impressive victories in major voting centres including Ado-Ekiti, Ikole, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ekiti West, Oye and Moba local government areas.

Key Local Government Results

• Ado LGA: APC – 38,026; PDP – 3,817; ADC – 1,054
• Ekiti West: APC – 28,258; PDP – 3,644; ADC – 674
• Ikole: APC – 26,508; PDP – 750; ADC – 812
• Irepodun/Ifelodun: APC – 29,278; PDP – 2,119; ADC – 511
• Ekiti East: APC – 26,359; PDP – 2,795; ADC – 1,730
• Moba: APC – 20,500; PDP – 1,572; ADC – 994
• Oye: APC – 18,975; PDP – 2,891; ADC – 998

Voters Commend Peaceful Process

Across several polling units visited by CoolNews Nigeria correspondents, voters commended the peaceful conduct of security agencies, electoral officials and party supporters.

The election was largely free from major incidents of violence, with voting and collation proceeding smoothly in most parts of the state.

Political analysts have described the outcome as a strong endorsement of Governor Oyebanji’s administration, citing ongoing infrastructure development, educational reforms, agricultural initiatives and improved relations with stakeholders across the state.

What the Victory Means

With the victory, Governor Oyebanji has become one of the few governors in Ekiti’s democratic history to secure re-election with such a wide margin.

The result is expected to strengthen the APC’s political dominance in the South-West and further consolidate the party’s influence ahead of future national elections.

As celebrations erupted across Ado-Ekiti and other parts of the state following the announcement, supporters described the outcome as a reward for what they termed “good governance and inclusive leadership.”

The governor is expected to address the people of Ekiti State after receiving his Certificate of Return from INEC.

Final Result

• APC (Biodun Oyebanji): 319,224 votes
• PDP (Olumayokun Oluyede): 40,533 votes
• ADC (Dare Bejide): 12,872 votes

Outcome: Biodun Oyebanji of the APC re-elected Governor of Ekiti State for a second term.