Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has dismissed critics and opposition figures following his re-election, insisting that electoral victories are determined at polling units and not on social media platforms.

Speaking in a video shared by Channels Television on its official X account on Sunday, Oyebanji said his victory reflected the will of voters, arguing that those who had performed well in office would naturally earn the people’s support.

“There is a saying that a farmer who has diligently tilled the ground does not need to fear the day of harvest,” the governor said.

Taking a swipe at his critics, Oyebanji said some individuals had focused more on social media activities than grassroots political engagement.

“Chalatants that have not done anything, they are busy on social media, there are no polling units on social media. And that is my answer to all the shenanigans on social media,” he said.

According to him, performance in office remains the ultimate determinant of electoral success.

“If you have done well, people will vote for you. But if you don’t have anything to say, other than to be going to media houses to grant interviews, telling lies against the government, stay on social media and whipping up sentiments, yesterday was the day of reckoning,” Oyebanji stated.

The governor further suggested that those who sponsored opposition campaigns would have reasons to reflect on the result.

“I think there must be a reason, there must be a reason to tell the sponsors why they have lost,” he said.

In another video from the briefing, Oyebanji thanked Ekiti voters, noting that the state was entering a new phase characterised by consensus, peace and cooperation.

He said, “Ekiti has taken a new course and is the dawn of a new era where consensus building, peace and harmony have become the trading currency of our political engagements.

“I therefore want to commend the Ekiti electorate for choosing us and the tendency that we represent. I thank you for your confidence in us.

“With this renewed mandate, I can only assure you that the best has just begun,” he said.

Oyebanji pledged to intensify efforts towards implementing his administration’s programmes and improving the welfare of residents.

“We will rededicate ourselves even more strongly in implementing a shared prosperity agenda. We will speed up various projects and programs that are ongoing. We will work harder and smarter to serve you better,” he said.

He also added that his administration would remain committed to tackling economic hardship and social inequality.

It was reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier declared Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress winner of the election after polling 319,224 votes across the state’s 16 local government areas, defeating his closest rival, Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, who polled 40,533 votes, and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, who secured 12,872 votes.