Ondo State Governor and governor-elect, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised to continually run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to the state’s collective progress.
This is just as Aiyedatiwa called on his opponent, Agboola Ajayi and other candidates to collabortlate with him in the onerous task of building a better Ondo State for the overall good of the people.
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC had declared Aiyedatiwa and candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, Prof Olayemi Akinwunmi, and the Returning Officer of the exercise declared Aiyedatiwa winner at the INEC headquarters, in Akure at exactly 2:30PM on Saturday.
He said Aiyedatiwa polled a total of 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ajayi Agboola who scored a total votes of 117,845 while ZLP’s Dr Abbas Mimiko, younger brother of the former governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko came a distance third with 2692 votes.
He said the total valid votes was 497077, rejected votes, 11886 while total votes cast was 508,963.
However, in his acceptance speech, the governor elect said he will continue to prioritize the welfare of the people, foster economic growth, and ensure that the state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.
His words: “My fellow citizens of Ondo State, I stand before you this day, on the threshold of history, to accept the results of the 2024 gubernatorial elections held in our Sunshine State. I must say that I feel greatly humbled and honoured by this renewed mandate you have given me to continue in office as your Governor. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and I pledge to work tirelessly to justify the trust you have reposed in me.”
Aiyedatiwa commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, and credible election and the security agencies across board for being professional in their assignment and maintaining peace throughout the exercise.
“I must appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Amhed Tinubu, GCFR for providing exemplary leadership and also ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election. I also thank my party, All Progressives Congress, under the able leadership of the National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, the National Campaign Council of Ondo Governorship Election led by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, We have enjoyed your unwavering support throughout this journey.
“To the State Chairman and Working Committee of our Party, Campaign team, my family and friends, we couldn’t have achieved this huge success without your love, commitment, encouragement, and hard work. I also acknowledge and thank members of the Press for your effective coverage of the voting exercise.”
He said, “As your Governor, I promise to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress. We will continue to prioritize the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.
“Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear State. I therefore want to extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition parties and to invite you to collabortlate with us in the onerous task of building a better Ondo State for the overall good of our people. Let us put aside our differences and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities.
“Finally, I dedicate this victory, first to the Almighty God and second, to the memories of our departed leader and former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.”
Fidelis David
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