The candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has been declared the winner.
He defeated his closest rival and candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Prof Kolapo Olusola.
Results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed that Fayemi garnered 197,459 votes to beat Olusola, who polled 178,121 votes.
The PDC came a distant third position with 1,242 votes.
Fayemi won in 12 council areas against Olusola's four LGs unlike in 2014 when Fayemi, according to official figures, lost in all the 16 council areas.
He was defeated by incumbent governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.
The local governments won by Fayemi and APC are Ekiti East, Ekiti South West, Gbonyin, Ido Osi, Ijero, Ikole, Ilejemeje, Irepodun/ Ifelodun, Ise Orun, Moba and Oye while the four councils won by the PDP candidates are Ado, Ikere, Efon and Emure.
Declaring Fayemi the winner of the poll, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, who is also the Presiding Officer of the election, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, said "Having certified the requirements of the law, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressive Congress, is hereby declared as the elected governor."
Olayinka said the total number of votes cast during the election were 384,594, while rejected votes were 18,857 bringing total to 403,451.
Fayemi will be sworn-in as governor for the second time.
His first term was between October 16, 2010 to October 15 2014.
Immediately the result was announced, APC supporters went into jubilation and commended the INEC for conducting a free, fair and credible election.
In his reaction, the Chairman of Fayemi Campaign Organisation in the northern senatorial zone, Mr. Rufus Adumo, commended INEC, security agents and the voters for a peaceful exercise, adding that the winner would improve on his achievements during his first term.
