President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who earned a fresh mandate over the weekend in the off-season governorship election.

Governor Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the People's Democratic Party, Honourable Dare Bejide, who polled 40, 533.

In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, President Tinubu described the fresh mandate as a "clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance."

President Tinubu also urged Governor Oyebanji to "remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all Ekiti people along as he consolidates his achievements in the next four years."

He also advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that it conducts free, fair elections in Osun State next August and the forthcoming general elections.

His statement read, 'The President commends the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful and orderly conduct and for reposing their trust in Governor Oyebanji.'

"He also commends law enforcement agencies for maintaining law and order.

"He charges the Independent National Electoral Commission to continue to invest in conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible election as we approach the Osun governorship election in August and the general election next year.

"With his overwhelming victory in the election, Oyebanji has emerged as the first governor in the history of Ekiti State to win re-election back-to-back.

"President Tinubu notes that Governor Oyebanji's first term was marked by significant strides in infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare, and rural development under the BAO agenda.

"The renewed mandate is therefore a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance.

"President Tinubu urges Governor Oyebanji to remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all Ekiti people along as he consolidates on his achievements in the next four years.

"The President also commends all those who contested the election with the governor for exercising their democratic rights, saying it is now time to rally round Oyebanji in the task of taking Ekiti to the next level of governance.

"The President reaffirms the Federal Government's commitment to partnering with the Ekiti State Government to deliver more dividends of democracy and accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda across Nigeria.

"He prays for God's wisdom, strength, and good health for Governor Oyebanji as he continues to serve the good people of Ekiti State."

In a separate statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Barrister Felix Morka, also felicitated Governor Oyebanji.

The APC, which noted that the incumbent is the first governor "to win reelection in the state's contemporary democratic history", equally described the victory as "a loud demonstration of the confidence of Ekiti people in Governor Oyebanji, his visionary leadership, people-centred policies, and unflinching commitment to the development and progress of the state."

The APC applauded "the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and all oversight stakeholders whose dedication and professionalism contributed to the successful conduct of the election."

The statement further read: 'The Party commends the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct and enthusiastic participation throughout the electoral process. We remain exceedingly grateful for their steadfast support and endorsement of our great party, its policies and progressive ideals.

"We are confident that Governor Oyebanji's second term will deliver more development and improved living conditions for the people as he expands the achievement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's transformative Renewed Hope Agenda in the state."