INEC declares Akeredolu winner of Ondo governorship election

• Dedicates victory to God, promises not to fail people

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in yesterday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, as the winner of the poll.

The Returning Officer, Prof Abdul-Ganiyu Ambali, on Sunday in Akure said, Akeredolu received 244, 842 votes to beat his closest rival, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 150, 380 votes.

The Returning Officer added that Chief Olusola Oke, the candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD), scored 126, 889 to come third.

Ambali disclosed that the total registered voters at 1, 647, 973, out of which only 584, 997 voters were accredited while valid votes were put at 551,272 votes and 29, 615 votes were rejected.

He said, “Having polled the highest number of votes and having satisfied all requirements, I hereby declare Oluwarotmi Akeredolu the governor-elect of Ondo State.”

Meanwhile the Governor-elect has promised not to fail the people of the state that elected him.

Akeredolu, who spoke at his home country, Owo, shortly after he was declared the winner of the poll, said the victory is from God through the people.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun, and members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

“I wish to express my profound gratitude, first, to the Almighty God whose infinite grace has allowed us to see this day.

“This victory is of God through the people. It is not for me or the APC alone; it is a victory for the people of Ondo State irrespective of which side of the divide you stood during the election. For me, it is a challenge to perform. It is a call to rescue our state and reverse its fortunes.

“I thank the people of my dear state for their steadfastness. I have heard their messages throughout the campaign to all the nooks and crannies of the state. Today, you have spoken with one voice. You have walked your talk. You have voted for me as your governor for the next years.

“Today, change has come. I hereby make a solemn pledge that this collective mandate shall address all issues with keen determination. The welfare of our people alone shall be the directive policy of the government.”