Abuja – President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Mr Olurotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his electoral victory at the just concluded Ondo state governorship election.
The congratulatory message is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.
The President also congratulated the Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun, the Chairman of the Campaign Committee, Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, and all party faithful who put in their best and braved the odds to ensure a successful outing for the flag bearer.
“Buhari rejoices with the good people of Ondo State who aligned with his own belief that Akeredolu with his pedigree possesses the qualities to transform the state into the Ondo of their dreams.
“From the beginning, this election set out to be a different kind of election. The unity and resilience of the party was tested. I am happy we came out of this victorious.
“This is a huge win. The mood today is against corruption, insecurity and for the restoration of the economy and the creation of jobs.
“This is where the party stands and I am happy that the electorate has read the situation correctly.”
He called on other contestants in the election to see the triumph of Akeredolu as the wish of God and enjoined them to work together with him to make “the state a truly progressive and economically prosperous one for all.”
The President commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies and the voters for the peaceful and successful conduct of the election.
He urged the governor-elect to put behind whatever acrimonies may have arisen from the electioneering process, and reach out to all well-meaning people in the state and beyond, to implement his vision to bring the much desired change to the people.
The President assured Nigerians that the APC-led administration under his watch was committed to playing by the rules, and there would be no let-up “until we see the great nation of our dreams in all spheres of national development.”
INEC on Sunday, via its Chief Returning Officer in the election, Prof. Abdul Ganiyu Ambali, declared the candidate of APC, Olurotimi Akeredolu, winner of the 2016 governorship poll.
Ambali said Akeredolu polled 244, 842 votes to beat his closest rival, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 150, 380 votes.
He said Chief Olusola Oke, the candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD), scored 126, 889 to come third.
Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has congratulated the Governor-elect of Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akerodolu over his victory at the poll.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja on Sunday, said the people of Ondo state “could not have had a better choice.’’
Saraki said Akeredolu’s victory did not come to him as a surprise, going by his excellent credentials and years of preparedness for the business of governance.
He, however, urged the governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory by working with all relevant stakeholders in the arduous task of moving the Sunshine State to the next level.
He urged Akeredolu to fully deploy his wealth of experience garnered over many years in private legal practice in running the affairs of the state.
Saraki lauded the security agencies and INEC for the peaceful conduct of the election and thanked the people of the state for voting for APC during the election.
Saraki said: “The people of Ondo have made a clear choice by voting for the APC. I can only assure the good people of Ondo state that APC and its flag bearer have all it takes to wipe away your tears.
‘’Akeredolu will provide you the dividends of democracy that have hitherto eluded you.
“With Akeredolu on the saddle of governance, I have no doubt that the state will soon witness unparalleled development socially, economically and politically.’’
