President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Biodun Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over his electoral victory in the Ekiti State gubernatorial election.

The president, in a congratulatory message issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, described the victory as well deserved considering Mr Oyebanji’s contributions to the development of the state and the party before he was nominated the standard-bearer.

”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,” Mr Buhari said.

He, however, urged Mr Oyebanji to be magnanimous in victory in the interest of the state’s people.

Mr Buhari also rejoiced with the APC chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, and the National Working Committee for the victory, the first under the tenure of the newly elected executives of the party.

“This is a good beginning for you and your team. The APC is getting stronger and more united,” the president said.

He charged all APC members across and outside the country to see this as a good omen for the 2023 general elections and work assiduously to ensure the party’s victory, continuing the trend with Osun State in July.

The president also felicitated the people of Ekiti for the smooth conduct of the election, affirming that they were the real victors as they had been able to choose their leader for the next four years freely.

Also, he lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the law enforcement agencies for the preparations, urging them to keep the momentum for upcoming elections.

Mr Oyebanji polled 187,057 votes to win the election.

(NAN)