President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Governor-Elect of Ondo State, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his well-deserved victory in the Saturday, November 26 governorship election.
President Buhari also congratulates the Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun, the Chairman of the Campaign Committee, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, and all party faithful who put in their best and braved the odds to ensure a successful outing for the flag bearer.
“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,” said the President.
He called on other contestants in the election to see the triumph of Chief 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 elections.
As the Governor-elect prepares to assemble his team, and bring the much desired CHANGE to the people, President Buhari urged him 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.
The President uses the opportunity to assure Nigerians that the APC-led administration under his watch is committed to playing by the rules, and there will be no let-up “until we see the great nation of our dreams in all spheres of national development.”
Meanwhile, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Sunday said the outcome of the Ondo gubernatorial election has further confirmed the acceptability of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in the South West region of Nigeria.
In a statement released to newsmen in Owerri, by Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodor, also said the people “voted wisely.” While congratulating Chief Rotimi Akeredolu of the APC for his victory, he said, “the people of Ondo State have spoken with their votes and they spoke well.
Their decision to be part of the APC government at the centre is commendable.” It was the view of the Governor that, “With their votes, they have passed vote of confidence on APC and President Mohammadu Buhari.
They will never be disappointed in the APC government in the state.” He added that, “the people of Ondo State have voted wisely” adding ” explaining that the way they had voted only indicated how highly intelligent they are in interpreting political development and how richly they are endowed with wisdom.”
He also “urged other candidates in the election to congratulate the winner without further delay.”
In a similar vein, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said the emergence of Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the governor – elect of Ondo State is an indication that people still love the party.
In a statement by his media aide, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker congratulated Akeredolu on his victory at the poll. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had earlier today declared Akeredolu as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election. According to Dogara, “The election of Barrister Akeredolu and the APC in Ondo state is a clear indication of the popularity of our political party.
“The victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election is proof that the party is still loved by Nigerians.
“I would like to congratulate my learned colleague on his victory at the poll, and also commend our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for a thorough and successful campaign.”
“As a party, we must take our victory in Ondo seriously since the people have placed enormous trust in us. “We must, therefore, deliver on policies that will improve their standard of living.”
President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has also congratulated 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.’’
The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, also distributed a congratulatory message to the media on Sunday, expressing optimism that Mr. Akeredolu’s victory will usher in an unprecedented progress for Ondo State.
“This is one choice that will bring unprecedented progress, infrastructural development as well as social and economic growth to the Sunshine State,” Mr. Amosun said.
“The victory of Akeredolu in the Ondo polls also portends a good omen for the collective development and progress of the South-West geopolitical zone under the progressive socio-political and economic ideals of the APC.”
