No Polling Units On Social Media — Oyebanji Fires Back

According to Ireporter Online, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has dismissed criticisms circulating on social media following his re-election, insisting that elections are determined by performance and direct engagement with the electorate rather than online commentary.

Oyebanji, who spoke on Sunday after securing a second term in office, stated that there are no “polling units on social media,” emphasizing that governance is ultimately judged by the people at the grassroots.

Drawing a comparison between leadership and agriculture, the governor said those who have diligently worked for the people would be rewarded at the time of harvest, while others who failed to deliver often resort to online criticism.

“A farmer who has diligently tilled the ground does not interfere on the day of harvest. Some people who have not done anything are busy on social media,” he said.

He further noted that leaders who fail to connect with the people often rely on media attacks and online platforms to shape public perception, adding that electoral outcomes reflect the true judgment of the electorate.

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

The governor won re-election across all 16 local government areas in the June 20 governorship poll. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared that Oyebanji secured 319,224 votes, defeating Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came third with 12,872 votes.

INEC further disclosed that 384,940 voters were accredited, with 375,777 votes deemed valid and 6,332 rejected.