By Gbenga Abulude (Politics and General Desk)
Newly re-elected Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Sunday said his victory at the poll is a challenge to increase service to the Ondo people that elected him.
He said his re-election was a testimony to his overwhelming acceptance by the people and promised not to relent in making the people the centre of his administration.
Akeredolu of the
All Progressives Congress (APC) party on Sunday, emerged the winner of the Ondo governorship election with 292,830 votes defeating Mr Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party and Hon Agboola Ajayi of the Zenith Labour Party who got 195,791 and 69,127 votes respectively.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chief Returning officer, Professor Idowu Olayinka returned Akeredolu as the governor-elect on Sunday at the INEC office and collation centre in Akure.
Akeredolu who was full of smiles and elated spoke at his Owo country home residence shortly after he was declared winner of the governorship election held on Saturday.
He noted that his victory was an affirmation of the people’s assessment on his performance in the last three and a half years.
Akeredolu said, “It is unequivocal, direct, inspiring and soul lifting. It is awesome. It is a reward for hard work, dedication, focus, honesty and patriotism. It is also a challenge to us for rededication to service in the interest of our people. On this, we shall not relent.
“The resounding victory of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), throws an open challenge to all stakeholders not to choose the path of complacency.
“We have noted the few dissenting voices of protest in this referendum. We heard them loud and clear. We intend to address genuine grievances. We shall continue to focus on the development of our God-given space, the Sunshine State.
“This Administration will not be distracted in the discharge of our sacred mandate. The people will continue to be at the centre of all decisions”.
Akeredolu won 15 out of the 18 local councils in the state.
APC Governors present at Akeredolu’s country home when he was declared winner include members of the APC National Campaign Council led by Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Ogun Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola and Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
