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Guber Poll: Buhari, PDP Congratulate Oyebanji On Victory ….Governor-Elect Thanks Ekiti People
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, as he was declared governor-elect in last Saturday’s Ekiti State Gubernatorial election.
This is even as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election, Otunba Olabisi Kolawole, also congratulated Oyebanji on his victory at the poll.
The president said the victory was well deserved considering Oyebanji’s contributions to the development of the state and the party before his nomination as the standard-bearer, urging him, however, to be magnanimous in victory in the interest of the people of the state.
Buhari also rejoiced with the APC Chairman, Senator Abdulahi Adamu, and the National Working Committee (NWC) for the victory, the first under the tenure of the newly elected executives of the party.
The president, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, was quoted as saying, “This is a good beginning for you and your team. The APC is getting stronger and more united.
“The victory of our party in Ekiti is an indication of the confidence of Nigerians in the ability of our great party to deliver quality governance to all.”
He charged all APC members across and outside the country to see this as a good omen for the 2023 general election and work assiduously to ensure the party’s victory, continuing the trend with Osun State next month in July.
Buhari also felicitated the people of Ekiti State for the smooth conduct of the election, affirming that they are the real victors as they have been able to freely choose their leader for the next four years.
He lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the law enforcement agencies for the preparations put in place, urging them to keep the momentum for upcoming elections.
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the Saturday governorship election in Ekiti state, Otunba Olabisi Kolawole, congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on his victory at the poll.
Kolawole, in a congratulatory letter he personally signed, was addressed to the APC candidate, Oyebanji and made to newsmen in Efon-Alaaye, yesterday.
“Following the announcement of your victory in the June 18 Ekiti Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I hereby write to congratulate you accordingly.
“I believe that power belongs to God and He bestows upon whoever he chooses.
“I also believe in popular choice that the unfettered expression of the people’s mandate as one of the crucial hallmarks of democratic principle and practice.
“Democracy must therefore deliver to the people dividends of security or protection and enhance their social welfare and well-being basically, and among other deliverables.
“These were the motivation for my own ambition in the governorship of Ekiti State which I feel strongly to reiterate here in view of the precarious situations of our people at the moment.
“Please, take urgent actions aimed at redressing the plights of our people when you fully assume the mantle shortly.
“Finally, I wish you the guidance of the Almighty God in the onerous task ahead.
“Congratulations to your spouse and also running mate,” he stated.
However, the Governor-elect of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed gratitude towards the people the state for voting him in the Ekiti 2022 governorship election.
Oyebanji was declared winner of the Ekiti State governorship poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the hours of yesterday.
Oyebanji polled a total of 187, 057 votes to win the election, and was declared winner by the INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Oyebode Adebowale, having certified the requirements of the law.
The governor-elect early yesterday morning, said in a short Thank-You message via his verified Twitter handle, “Thank You, Ekiti Kete. #Ekitidecides2022All4BAO.”
Oyebanji defeated a former governor of Ekiti, Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, who scored 82, 211, to come second.
Oni was trailed from behind by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, BisiKolawole, who polled 67,457 votes.
Other political parties, which recorded votes in last Saturday’s governorship election, include Accord (A) 166; African Action Congress (AAC) 409; All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) 17; while Action Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 141 votes.
Also, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) scored 5,597; Allied Peoples Movement (APM) -290; Labour Party (LP) polled 195 votes; New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) scored 529; and National Rescue Movement (NRM) 347.
Others include Young Progressives Party (YPP)-618; All Peoples Party (APP) polled 1,980; and Zenith Labour Party(ZLP) polled 282; Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) polled 856.
According to the INEC returning officer, the total numbers of registered voters were 989,224, accredited voters, 363,438, valid votes were, 351,865 and voided votes were 8,888.
Meanwhile, supporters of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State erupted in jubilation in the early hours of yesterday when the results of Saturday’s governorship election showed that the candidate of the party, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, trounced the 15 other candidates that partook in the exercise.
Oyebanji, who is the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, won in 15 out of the 16 local government areas of the state.
In Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, residents trooped to the streets to celebrate the victory in the dead of the night.
At the Government House in the OkeAyoba area of the town, other APC governors, led by the state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, monitored the exercise.
Similarly, in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area, where Oyebanji hails from, residents also began celebrating the victory of their kinsman at the poll.
Also in Ikere-Ekiti, where Oyebanji’s running mate, Mrs Monitade Afuye, hails from, residents also began celebration as the results were announced by the respective local government returning officers.
In different parts of the state also, some members of the ruling party celebrated the victory, describing it as well-deserved.
Prior to the announcement of the results at the collation centre, all the results from the 16 local government areas had been uploaded on the Result Viewing Portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission, known as IReV.
The commission promised to adopt the electronic transmission of results, even though it would be complemented by manual transmission.
As of the time of filing this report at 2.10am, final collation was still ongoing, a precursor to the final announcement by the state’s returning officer.
However, there were isolated cases of violence in some polling units.
For example, in Ekiti South-West Local Government Area, the APC scored 9,679 votes ahead of SDP’s 4,577 and PDP’s 4,474 votes.
The Returning Officer for the LGA, Prof Gbolagade Jonathan, reported that there was violence in Units 5 and 7, where he said some hoodlums from nowhere carted away the ballot boxes, after firing gunshots.
Also, in Ikere LGA, the APC also won with 12,086 votes against the PDP and SDP, which scored 3,789 and 1943 respectively.
The Returning Officer, Prof Emmanuel Ajava, announced that votes in Unit 2 of the LGA were cancelled due to violence.
Although the governorship election held across the 16 local government areas and was relatively peaceful, incidents of vote-buying characterised the poll.
Candidates and agents of some political parties also alleged inducement of voters to deprive them of the opportunity of making their free choices.
It was gathered that some party agents were arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged vote-buying at a polling station at Ola Oluwa Grammar School, Ado Ekiti during the election.
A source, who spoke on the development, said the suspects were apprehended with a bag of cash allegedly being used to induce voters.
“One of the suspects, who claimed to be a party agent, was arrested and has been taken into custody,” the source said.
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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