By: Ade Adeleke
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC today presented certificates of return to the Governor-Elect, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Deputy Governor-Elect Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa in Ondo State election held on Saturday October 10, 2020.
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, represented by the National Commissioner in charge of Ondo, Ogun and Lagos, Dr Adekunle Ogunmola charged the Governor elect to be magnanimous in victory.
INEC had declared Governor Akeredolu winner of the October 10, 2020 Governorship Election having polled a total vote of 292,830 to defeat his closest rival, Eyitayo Jegede SAN, who polled 195,791 votes.
In an address, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC in Ondo state, Ambassador Rufus Akeju reassured all stakeholders in the electoral process that the commission would continue to build on high level of credibility it has achieved in both Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
Akeredolu who commended INEC for the successful conduct of the election,also pledged even development of the state regardless of political affiliation.
The governor who also recognized efforts of the security agents and the electorate dedicated his victory and the certificates God and the people of Ondo State.
Akeredolu promised to do more that would surpass his achievement in the first term.
Akeredolu assured the people of the state that his administration will ensure equal development in all the 18 local government areas of the state.
The Governor said, ”Whether they voted for me or not, we will treat all the local government areas of the state equally.”
Governor Akeredolu stressed that the last Saturday’s victory at the election belong to the people of the state.
He noted that the victory recorded has established a number of things for the generation to come, adding that a statement has been made.
“It’s a victory that a few things have been established for the generations to come. We have made a statement. No one has ever won with 50 percent. We won with over 51%.“
“Our re-election was a divine project. I want to assure the people that we will serve them in way that they have never seen before.“He stressed.
While commending INEC for the successful conduct of the election, Governor Akeredolu said the state noted and appreciated the commitment of INEC to free, fair and credible election.
He said the APC worldwide is happy over the result of the election. The Governor thanked all security agencies for their conduct before, during and after the election.
SUNSHINETRUTH learnt that the ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries from across the party hierarchy, 17 members of the House of Assembly loyal to the governor among others.