Aiyedatiwa, deputy receive INEC certificates of return, tasked on development of Ondo Stat
By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Mr Olayide Adelami as winners of the last saturday’s gubernatorial election in the State.
The certificates were presented to Aiyedatiwa and Adelami at the INEC headquarters, Maitama, Abuja on Tuesday, by the INEC National Commissioner supervising Ondo, Prof. Kunle Ajayi.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Prof Ajayi described the election as the democratic process that cumulated in the will and aspiration of the people of the Ondo people.
According to him, “INEC remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring free, fair and credible, inclusive and conclusive elections.
“The recently concluded Ondo state governorship election represents a testament to our dedication to upholding credible ballot,’’ Ajayi said.
He said that the commission, under the leadership of INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, is consistent in achieving its vision of becoming one of the best election management bodies in the world.
Ajayi explained that INEC was doing that acting on its core value of independence, impartiality, neutrality and transparency.
He pointed out that the adoption of technology, meticulous planning and its execution highlighted INEC resolve to continuously improve elections in Nigeria.
Ajayi, who commended the people of Ondo for the peaceful way and manner they conducted themselves during the Saturday election, stressed that voters’ attitude was generally peaceful and there was no major issue of violent recorded.
The INEC National Commissioner similarly lauded the professional conduct of the security agencies, electoral observers and media organisations that made the election a success.
He advised the governor, and his deputy governor-elect to be democratic and work for the development of the people of Ondo.
Speaking after receiving his certificate, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked INEC for conducting a “free, fair and credible election” that returned him winner of the election.
The Governor particularly appreciated President Bola Tinubu for not being bias during the election saying he did not favour one candidate over the other in the election.
According to him, “He (Tinubu’) provided level plain ground for all of us during the election”.
He added, “I also want to thank the security agencies for their professionalism for providing security for the election personnel and materials. The election has been adjudged as one of the most peaceful elections in Nigeria”
Aiyedatiwa also commended the people of Ondo for electing him to serve them better.
Aiyedatiwa was declared winner of the election after polling 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party who scored 117,845 votes.
He also won in all the 18 local governments of the state.
END
