BREAKING: INEC Declares Oyebanji Winner of Ekiti Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election.

The announcement followed the conclusion of vote collation across the state’s 2,445 polling units, where the incumbent governor secured a commanding lead over his closest rivals.

According to the final results announced by INEC, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to retain his position as governor.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finished second with 40,543 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured 12,872 votes.

Final Election Results

APC: 319,224 votes

PDP: 40,543 votes

ADC: 12,872 votes

The result confirms a decisive victory for the ruling APC in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched off-cycle governorship elections.

APC Dominates Across Polling Units

Earlier results uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) had already indicated a strong lead for the APC as collation progressed.

Data accumulated from polling unit uploads consistently showed the ruling party maintaining a significant advantage over its opponents throughout the exercise.

Political observers noted that the margin of victory became increasingly clear as more results were uploaded and verified.

What the Victory Means

The outcome provides Governor Oyebanji with a renewed mandate to continue his administration’s programmes and policies in Ekiti State.

The result is also expected to strengthen the APC’s political position in the South-West ahead of future electoral contests.

For the opposition parties, the election outcome is likely to trigger fresh assessments of their strategies and grassroots structures in the state.

Reactions Expected

Attention is now expected to shift to reactions from political parties, candidates and stakeholders following the declaration of the results.

Election observers will also continue to review the conduct of the poll as post-election assessments begin.

Kebbi By-Election Result Updates

Meanwhile, INEC also declared Rabiu Garba Aiki of the APC winner of the Zuru State Constituency by-election for the Kebbi State House of Assembly.

The APC candidate secured 4,871 votes, defeating the Labour Party (LP) candidate who polled 168 votes.

This report was originally produced by Ondo Press News.