2026 Ekiti election may be best in state's history, says deputy governor

Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the deputy governor of Ekiti State and deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is beaming with pride as she reflects on the just-concluded governorship poll in the state. Her enthusiasm is not unfounded; the way voters turned out en masse to exercise their civic duty on Saturday is evidence of the maturity of Nigeria's democracy. But what does this moment signify for Ekiti, and what are the implications for the state's future under the leadership of APC's governorship candidate, Biodun Oyebanji?

The June 20 governorship poll in Ekiti has been hailed as one of the most peaceful and well-conducted elections in the state's history. Chief Afuye's commendation of voters for their sense of patriotism and civic responsibility is a telling indicator of the progress made in the state's democratic journey. With voters trooping out in large numbers to exercise their franchise rights, the election has showcased the resilience and determination of Ekiti's citizens. This turnout is not only a reflection of the state's developmental journey but also evidence of the efficacy of the APC's rigorous campaigns, which have yielded positive results.

Chief Afuye's commendation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their impartiality is a welcome development. The peaceful conduct of the election is a direct result of the meticulous planning and preparation by these institutions. INEC's ability to set electoral rules and ensure their adherence has kept the tempo of peace intact, and security agencies' efforts to maintain order have been instrumental in preventing any form of intimidation. This collaboration has set a positive precedent for future elections and underscores the importance of a robust electoral framework in ensuring a free and fair process.

As Chief Afuye expresses confidence in her boss's ability to win the election by a wide margin, the question remains: will Governor Oyebanji's performance and popularity be enough to secure his victory? The deputy governor's assertion that Oyebanji has served Ekiti with every fibre in his body and is widely adjudged to have performed excellently well is a ringing endorsement of the APC candidate's leadership credentials. However, the outcome of the election remains uncertain, and only time will tell if Oyebanji's efforts will be enough to secure his re-election.

As Ekiti looks to the future, the election's outcome will have far-reaching implications for the state's development trajectory. If the APC emerges victorious, Governor Oyebanji's continued tenure will likely see the consolidation of his administration's achievements and the implementation of new initiatives. Conversely, a change of leadership could herald a new era of governance and policy direction in the state. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: the Ekiti governorship election has provided a valuable opportunity for the state's citizens to exercise their democratic rights and shape their future.

I believe that if the APC's candidate emerges victorious, Governor Oyebanji's administration will prioritize the implementation of policies aimed at further developing the state's infrastructure and economy. This may include investments in education, healthcare, and agriculture, which have been critical areas of focus for the APC in the past. Furthermore, the governor's continued tenure may see the consolidation of his administration's achievements in areas such as security and infrastructure development, which have been notable successes of his first term.