THIS MANDATE IS YOURS, I WON'T DISAPPOINT YOU; VICTORIOUS GOV AIYEDATIWA HAILS ONDO STATE PEOPLE
- As APC clears all 18 LGs in unprecedented governorship victory
- Gov's 366, 781 votes highest garnered by any candidate in history of the State
- Eleven APC Govs in Akure to witness announcement of poll results
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday officially declared Governor Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the governor-elect following Saturday's gubernatorial election in Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa achieved a resounding victory by winning in all 18 local government areas of the state, a feat that has never been achieved in any governorship election in the State.
The Governor, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeated his closest rival, Mr Agboola Ajayi of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), securing 366,781 votes to Ajayi's 117,845.
The 366, 781 votes garnered by the Governor is also the highest number of votes scored by any governorship candidate in the history of the State.
Addressing journalists at the Government House in Akure shortly after the announcement, an elated Governor Aiyedatiwa described his victory as a triumph for democracy, unity, and progress of the State.
He said: "This is not just my victory; it is a victory for all the people of Ondo State, i am deeply honoured by the overwhelming support and trust you have placed in me to continue leading our great state. This mandate is yours and it reinforces my resolve to work tirelessly for the betterment of every citizen.
"I stand before you this day, on the threshold of history, to accept the results of the 2024 gubernatorial election held in our Sunshine State. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pledge to work tirelessly to justify the trust you have reposed in me.
"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 prioritise the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come," he assured.
The Governor, who was accompanied by his deputy and running mate, Dr Olayide Adelami, commended INEC for conducting a credible election and acknowledged the professionalism of security agencies for maintaining peace throughout the process.
"Let me commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, and credible election. The security agencies across the board are also deserving of our gratitude for being very professional in their assignment and maintaining peace throughout the exercise," he said.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support, as well as the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, and the National Campaign Council led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
"I must appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing exemplary leadership and also ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election.
"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", he added.
The Governor extended a hand of fellowship to opposition parties, urging them to collaborate in building a better Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa dedicated his victory to God and to the memory of former Governor, Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
Speaking on the party's future plans, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Umar Ganduje, expressed confidence in the party's ability to expand its dominance in the South-West region.
He stated that the APC's next focus is to reclaim Osun and Oyo States, which are currently under the leadership of the PDP.
Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the people of Ondo State for their peaceful nature, saying the election was a smooth one and one for other states to emulate.
Aside Sanwo-Olu, other APC governors present in Akure to witness the announcement of the results included Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, Kwara; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun; Abiodun Oyebanji, Ekiti; Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno; Rev Hyacinth Alia, Benue; Sen Monday Okpebholo, Edo; Bassey Otu, Cross River and Hope Uzodinma, Imo.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
November 17, 2024.
