Biodun Oyebanji Set to be Declared Winner of Ekiti Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is about to announce the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election. Biodun Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is expected to be declared the winner as the results from all 16 local government areas are almost ready.

Though INEC has not made the official announcement yet, officials at the collation centre in Ado Ekiti are carefully reviewing the results. They are checking all details to ensure everything meets the electoral rules before making the final declaration.

So far, the process has gone smoothly without major issues. The APC has a strong lead, winning all local government areas where results have been shared.

Initial figures show that Mr Oyebanji has a significant lead over his main opponent from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In all 16 local government areas, the APC candidate has done well, winning both urban and rural votes. He had particularly strong support in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti West, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ikole, and Ekiti East.

In Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Mr Oyebanji received 38,026 votes, far ahead of the PDP's 3,817 votes. Similar results were seen in Ekiti West, where he got 28,258 votes compared to the PDP's 3,644 votes.

In Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, the APC candidate also performed well with 29,278 votes. Ikole also delivered 26,508 votes for the ruling party, leaving opposition candidates trailing.

The PDP's best performance came from Ikere Local Government Area, where their candidate Wole Oloyede is from. The PDP scored 9,892 votes there. Still, Mr Oyebanji won with 11,116 votes, keeping the APC's strong position across the state.

Officials involved in the collation say the remaining steps are mostly routine. They are verifying the results, reconciling figures from polling units, and confirming summaries from each ward before the final announcement.

Security has been strong around the collation centre. Police and other security personnel are ensuring order while party agents watch the process closely.

The final announcement is expected once INEC finishes checking all results and confirms they follow electoral rules. After that, the returning officer will officially announce the winner of the governorship election.