Why I was re-elected Ondo Governor – Akeredolu; Buhari, Lawan, Sanwo-Olu, others send congratulations

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has described his reelection as the reward for hard work, dedication, focus, honesty and patriotism.

President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and many others have, since the declaration of Akeredolu as Governor-elect, been sending in their congratulatory messages.

Akeredolu was reelected with 292,830 votes to defeat the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, who had 195,791 votes.

Akeredolu said why he was re-elected in Akure on Sunday shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of the election by a margin of 97,039 votes.

He said that his reelection was an indication of his administration’s performance in the last three and half years.

The governor also said the outcome of the election was an eloquent testimony of his acceptance by the people of Ondo State.

He said the few dissenting voices of protest were heard loud and clear, while all genuine grievances would be addressed.

President Buhari, in his congratulatory message, rejoiced with Akeredolu on his “resounding victory,” noting that the votes garnered “show that one good turn surely deserves another.”

In his message, Buhari thanked the people of Ondo State for keeping faith with their Governor and the APC, noting that “the people know the person and party that truly serves them, and have spoken in clear voice and unmistakable terms.”

He appreciated the electorate for comporting themselves decently and in order, and for exhibiting conduct that indicates that the country is making progress in its electoral behavior.

He also gave kudos to the INEC for organizing credible, free and fair election, and to security agencies which ensured that orderliness was enthroned and maintained.

The President urged Gov Akeredolu to be humble and magnanimous in victory, and serve the people of the State even better than how he did in the first term, noting: “when you serve with heart and might, the people respond in like manner, and we can easily get to where we are headed as a country.”

Lawan, in his message by Ola Awoniyi, his Special Adviser (Media) congratulated Akeredolu and the APC on the victory, saying the triumph is well-deserved and heartwarming.

He noted that the election was a referendum on the stewardship of Governor Akeredolu in the last four years and that the Governor has passed the examination in flying colours.

The Senate President also commended the people of Ondo State for their peaceful conduct at the poll, which has demonstrated their confidence in their country’s democratic process.

He also thanked the Ondo people for their consistency in identifying with progressive platforms now ably represented by the APC.

“By the outcome of this election, the people of Ondo State have spoken in a loud and unambiguous voice that the APC offers the best platform for the pursuit of their development goals and political aspirations.

“The electoral victory in Ondo State is a re-affirmation of the people’s faith in the APC government and the capacity of Governor Akeredolu to continue the transformation of the state by consolidating on his achievements and opening new frontiers of development in the Sunshine State,” Lawan said.

He also called on other contestants in the election to join hands with the winner in working for the common good of Ondo people.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his message, congratulated Arakunrin Akeredolu, describing his victory as well deserved.

Sanwo-Olu, who is also the chairman of the APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship election, said Akeredolu’s success in the election is a validation of people’s acceptance of his administration, having impacted positively their lives during his first term in office.

Speaking at Akeredolu’s residence in Owo on Sunday shortly after INEC declared Akeredolu and his running mate Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa as governor-elect and deputy governor-elect respectively, he said the people of Ondo State deserve commendation for coming out in large numbers to perform their civic responsibility and for defying all odds to vote for the APC-led administration in the State.

Sanwo-Olu said Akeredolu’s victory is a clear manifestation that the APC remains the party of choice for Nigerians, stressing that the party will continue to work in the best interest of Nigerians.

He said: “I must congratulate my brother, Governor Akeredolu for being victorious in last Saturday’s election. His victory across the state is a confirmation of the trust and belief of the people in the APC led administration in Ondo State, having benefitted immensely from the various people oriented programmes of his administration.

“The victory is for all of us and for the entire leadership of our party. It is a team work; it is not one person, it is a whole team that came together. And what it means is that when we all work together as a team, we win together.

“The real winners at the end of the day are citizens of Ondo State because indeed they have re-elected a “talk and do” governor. The victory is deserving.

“Looking at the performance of Governor Akeredolu in Ondo State, it is clear to me that Ondo people know what is right. And they have done what is right by giving him an opportunity to continue his good work.

“Our victory in Ondo State is an assurance to us that we are doing something right. We know there are areas of improvement and we are determined to ensure that we give Nigerians the best they deserve.”

The Governor also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for creating a level playing ground for conduct of the election, adding that the President deserves commendation for deepening democracy and electoral process in Nigeria, considering the success recorded in the Ondo governorship election as well as last month’s gubernatorial poll in Edo State.

“I appreciate the leader of our party, President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the caretaker chairman of our party, the Governor of Yobe State, my colleagues and other APC leaders, especially members of the National Campaign Council for working tirelessly for the victory of our party in the Ondo State governorship poll.”