By SCM Reporter
LAGOS — The Governor of Lagos State and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, following his sweeping victory in Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
Sanwo-Olu described the outcome of the poll, which saw the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secure a landslide win across all 16 Local Government Areas of Ekiti State, as a “reward for performance.”
In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu praised the Ekiti electorate for their peaceful conduct during the exercise and for reaffirming their trust in the APC.
According to official results, Governor Oyebanji secured his second term by clearing the entire state with 83.54 percent of the total votes cast. Sanwo-Olu noted that this overwhelming majority serves as a direct testament to the popularity of the Governor and the progressive ideals of the party.
Sanwo-Olu, who served as a key member of the APC National Campaign Council for the Ekiti State Governorship Election—led by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State—also used the medium to commend President Bola Tinubu.
He stated that the President’s leadership has continued to steer the country toward socio-economic transformation under the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
Part of the statement read: “I congratulate my dear brother, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, for emerging victorious in yesterday’s governorship election. I also congratulate his running mate, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, on her re-election.
”Governor Oyebanji’s victory in the governorship poll with 83.54 percent of the total votes cast is a reward for performance and outstanding delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti State during his first term.”
While urging Oyebanji to remain focused on driving more developmental projects for the state, the Lagos State Governor thanked the party’s leadership and foot soldiers at all levels for their unity and tireless work during the campaign.
”I want to thank the good people of Ekiti State for their unflinching support and continued belief in our great party, the All Progressives Congress. I want to assure you that the ruling party will not disappoint you,” Sanwo-Olu added.
Breaking the “Second Term” Jinx: Historically,
Ekiti State politics was notoriously volatile, earning a reputation for never re-electing an incumbent governor consecutively.
Former governors like Ayodele Fayose and Dr. Kayode Fayemi served two terms but in broken tenures. Biodun Oyebanji’s first election in 2022 broke the jinx of a ruling party succeeding itself in the state. This 2026 re-election solidifies his grip on the state’s leadership structure.
The Southwest Political Alignment: As the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s prompt reaction highlights the APC’s strategic intent to maintain its dominance in the geopolitical zone, especially leading up to subsequent off-cycle elections and ahead of the 2027 general elections.
