A deluge of congratulatory messages poured in from President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and governors for Biodun Oyebanji of All Progressives Congress (APC) who emerged victorious in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.
The governors are Rotimi Akeredolu(Ondo), Gboyega Oyetola(Osun) and Yahaya Bello(Kogi).
Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu and Minister of State for Labour and Employment Festus Keyamo also felicitated Oyebanji for his victory.
They were also in unison that the victory was a testament to the acceptance of the APC by Nigerians and an indicator of its impending victory in next year’s general elections.
They also hailed the National Chairman of the ruling party, Abdullahi Adamu and his team for the success after their inauguration.
Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that Oyebanji deserved to win considering his contributions to the development of Ekiti State and the APC before his nomination as a candidate.
He admonished the governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory in the interest of the people.
“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 have in the ability of our great party to deliver quality governance to all,” said the President.
He charged all APC members in and outside the country to see the Ekiti victory as a good omen for the 2023 general elections and work assiduously to ensure the party’s victory.
Senate President Lawan said the “smooth conduct” of the election was an indication of what to expect in next year’s general elections as democracy continues to grow under an APC-led Federal Government.
He praised the leadership of the party for choosing Oyebanji as its candidate and congratulated the APC on its success.
Lawan wished the governor-elect God’s guidance as he prepares for the onerous task ahead.
Akeredolu said Oyebanji’s victory indicated the preparedness and commitment of Nigerians to vote en masse for the APC in next year’s elections.
He said: “It is a mark of the renewed commitment of the people to our party, the APC.
“This is our first win since the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential candidate of our party. This election is, however, symbolic as it shows the preparedness and commitment of our people to vote en masse for the APC.”
The governor added that Oyebanji’s “vast experience in public service is an asset that would be deployed for the good of the people of Ekiti State.”
Akeredolu’s counterpart in Osun State, Oyetola, also said that Oyebanji’s victory had demonstrated the electorate’s faith in the APC.
Describing Oyebanji’s victory as ‘well-deserved and sweet,’ he praised Buhari, Tinubu and Fayemi for their support and contributions to the success.
The governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, that he was confident that Oyebanji “will not disappoint the people of Ekiti.”
Governor Yahaya said the victory by APC had sent a clear message to opposition parties on what awaited them in next year’s polls.
The governor urged Oyebanji to be magnanimous in victory and extend a hand of fellowship to his fellow contenders.
Kalu wished Oyebanji a successful tenure in the office while urging him to adopt a participatory leadership style.
He also urged him to consolidate on the achievements of Fayemi.
Keyamo reminded the APC and Oyebanji to note that there is a “great work ahead” for them to do in order to retain the confidence reposed in them by the electorate
“Whilst this buoys our spirits in APC, and I congratulate our own Biodun Oyebanji on this momentous feat, we must keep our feet firmly on the ground as there’s greater work ahead to win the Osun Governorship election and the 2023 Presidential elections. There should be no complacency,” he twitted yesterday.
Also yesterday, the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) Campaign Organisation lauded the people of Ekiti State for electing Oyebanji as the next governor of the state.
The organisation said in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Taiwo Olatunbosun, that Oyebanji’s success was a victory for all.
It also described the victory as remarkable, historic, iconic and unprecedented in the annals of the state.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, the APC governorship candidate Teslim Folarin enjoined Oyebanji to see his victory as a call to service of the people.
From South Africa, the APC chapter described Oyebanji’s victory as well deserved.
It added that the outcome of the election “clearly shows that you(Oyebanji) are the most lovable and popular candidate for the Ekiti people. Ultimately, they understand that you are the person who can think for them and can take a serious step.”
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Bolaji Ogundele, Osagie Otabor, Sanni Onogu and Toba Adedeji,