The Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, and Governor Gboyega of Osun have, in separate statements, congratulated the governor-elect of Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on his victory in Saturday’s polls.

Messrs Kalu and Oyetola also lauded the state’s residents for believing in APC.

“The people of Ekiti have reaffirmed their support for the APC with their votes.

“I commend the governorship candidates of other political parties for the political maturity displayed before and after the poll,” Mr Kalu said in his congratulatory message.

The former governor of Abia, who described the governor-elect as a seasoned public administrator and astute politician, urged the people of Ekiti to sustain their support for him in taking the state to greater heights.

Mr Kalu applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for ensuring a free and fair poll.

Similarly, Mr Oyetola, in a statement signed by his media aide, Ismail Omipidan, felicitated the governor-elect,  incumbent governor, Kayode Fayemi, national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, on what he described as a well-deserved victory.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari and presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for their support and contributions to the party’s triumph in the just- concluded election.

The governor also rejoiced the people of Ekiti State for keeping faith with the APC by voting en masse for the party.

Mr Oyetola lauded INEC for enhancing the credibility of the electoral process with the peaceful conduct of the poll.

He also commended security agencies, political parties and their candidates, and the people of Ekiti for the peaceful and prosperous conduct of the election.

Mr Oyebanji polled a total of 187, 057 to win the election.

(NAN)