Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has vowed to intensify efforts aimed at driving economic growth, reducing poverty and expanding opportunities for residents following his victory in the governorship exercise.

Oyebanji secured a total of 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rivals in the contest conducted across the state’s 16 local government areas.

Addressing party faithful shortly after his victory on Sunday, the governor described the outcome of the primary as a renewed mandate to deepen the developmental strides recorded by his administration and deliver greater prosperity to the people of the state.

Declaring that “the best has just begun”, Oyebanji said the victory would serve as motivation for his administration to work with greater urgency in implementing policies and programmes designed to improve the quality of life of Ekiti residents.

“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly to implementing a sharp prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programmes that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better,” the governor said.

He stressed that the ultimate goal of his administration remained the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality, noting that development would only be meaningful when it translated into improved living conditions for ordinary citizens.

“We will not relent until poverty and inequality become things of the past in our land,” he stated.

The governor dedicated the victory to the people of Ekiti State, describing the outcome as a reflection of public confidence in the direction of his administration.

He pledged that the trust put in him would not be taken for granted and assured residents that the government would remain focused on delivering impactful projects across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment.

Oyebanji also used the occasion to express profound gratitude to leaders of the APC at the national, state, and grassroots levels for their support before, during, and after the election.

He specifically acknowledged members of the National Campaign Council, chaired by Uba Sani, for what he described as their dedication and strategic guidance throughout the campaign process.

The governor also paid tribute to the State Campaign Council led by Opeyemi Bamidele, commending its members for mobilising support and ensuring a successful outing at the polls.

According to him, the victory would not have been possible without the commitment of numerous support groups, volunteers, and independent campaigners who traversed communities across the state to canvass support for his candidacy.

Beyond party structures, Oyebanji extended appreciation to key segments of society, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, labour unions, artisans and market women, who he credited with providing prayers, counsel and encouragement throughout the electoral process.

He noted that the support from these groups underscored the collective desire of Ekiti people for continuity, stability, and sustained development.

In a special recognition, the governor commended persons living with disabilities for their active participation in the election, describing their massive turnout as a demonstration of faith in his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.

“I must specially commend the commitment of the community of people living with disabilities for coming out en masse to vote for us,” he said.

The governor also lauded security agencies, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other electoral personnel for their professionalism and dedication in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.

According to him, the successful conduct of the election demonstrated the strength of democratic institutions and the maturity of the state’s political culture.

He also acknowledged the solidarity extended to him by governors across the country, particularly members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, whose support he said contributed significantly to the success of his campaign.

As celebrations continued across parts of the state, Oyebanji maintained that the focus of his administration would remain on governance and service delivery, insisting that the confidence shown by party members and residents would be rewarded with even greater commitment to development.

Fresh controversy has erupted within the Surulere chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following allegations that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, is attempting to impose a preferred candidate on party members ahead of the forthcoming primaries.

The development has sparked outrage among party stakeholders and supporters of Lagos State House of Assembly member, Desmond Elliott, who accused powerful interests within the party of intimidation, political victimisation, and manipulation of the primary process.

In a statement issued by aggrieved stakeholders in Surulere, the group alleged that political structures within the constituency were being systematically reconfigured to favour a preferred aspirant allegedly backed by Gbajabiamila.

The stakeholders claimed that individuals perceived to be loyal to Elliott had become targets of political retaliation, including alleged removal from appointments and exclusion from party activities.

According to the statement, the situation has created anxiety and tension among party members ahead of the primaries.

The group further alleged that Elliott’s security personnel had been withdrawn under suspicious circumstances, raising concerns over his safety amid the escalating political crisis.

“Already, Desmond Elliott’s security details have been removed, putting his life at risk and in danger,” the statement alleged.

The controversy intensified after a viral video emerged showing Elliott openly accusing unnamed party leaders and local government officials of intimidation and coercion in the buildup to the primaries.

In the video, the lawmaker alleged that some local government officials had openly aligned themselves with a preferred aspirant long before the primaries.

“Intimidation, coercion, twisting and forcing people to follow their own candidate is what exists today in Surulere,” Elliott stated.

“Telling them that they will not be beneficiaries of some empowerment programme that is coming at another time — this is not right and should not happen,” he added.

The lawmaker also alleged that several individuals associated with him had lost their positions because of their political loyalty to him.

“We’ve been intimidated so much that a lot of people from the local government have been fired because they support me,” he claimed.

Elliott further disclosed that his security aides had allegedly been withdrawn without explanation.

“More so, my security personnel were taken away from me yesterday for reasons best known to them. Now I am left all by myself. What have I done?” he queried.

The Surulere lawmaker also alleged that certain individuals were planning to instigate violence during the primaries by bringing in outsiders to disrupt the exercise.

“They are coming out to fight us. They want to bring people from outside and from within to cause mayhem and trouble,” Elliott alleged while appealing for peaceful conduct during the primaries scheduled for May 20, 2026.

He called on party leaders and stakeholders to investigate the allegations and ensure that the primaries are conducted in a transparent and credible manner.

“I want to ask our party chieftains, please investigate this matter,” he appealed.

Despite his grievances, Elliott maintained that he remained loyal to the APC and would support whoever emerges victorious, provided the process is free and fair.

“By the grace of God, if I, Desmond Olusola Elliott, win, Alhamdulillah. If I lose, I will throw my support behind the winner. But please let it be through a free and fair election,” he said.

The lawmaker also urged his supporters not to be intimidated, insisting that adequate security would be available during the exercise.

Observers say the allegations have exposed deepening cracks within the Surulere APC and could further escalate tensions within the ruling party ahead of the primaries.