Ondo poll: Mimiko, Atiku, Obaseki, congratulate Akeredolu as Oke concedes defeat

In a rare display of gallantly, the out-going governor of Ondo state and the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has congratulated the governor-elect of the state, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who was declared winner in the November 26, 2016 gubernatorial election.

In a congratulatory message, he issued on Monday, Mimiko wished Mr. Akeredolu success in his incoming administration.

The governor promised to provide a smooth transition process of handing over power to the incoming government.

“It is incumbent upon me as the governor to facilitate a smooth transition between my government and the incoming one. I will, to this end, provide the ambience for a smooth and seamless transition process.”

While promising to continue to provide leadership to the State till the takeover date, Mimiko expressed his appreciation to the people of the State.

“I use this medium to express my sincere appreciation to all our citizens for the very peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves throughout the election period. I will not waiver in providing needed leadership to our dear State till the last day of my term.”

On his part, former vice president, Atiku urges Akeredolu to use the opportunity of his victory in the election to usher in good governance and development in Ondo state.Former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) Atiku Abubakar, Zamfara state governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, Hon. Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar and newly inaugurated governor of Edo state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki also joined other Nigerians in celebrating the victory Mr. Akeredolu in the election.

The politicians in separate messages felicitated with the Ondo governor-elect, the people of the state and the APC for winning the gubernatorial polls, at the weekend.

In a congratulatory press statement issued in Abuja by the Atiku Media Office on Monday, 28 November, the Turakin Adamawa calls the peaceful conduct of the election in Ondo State, devoid of violence and fratricidal rancour, as the path to chart for future elections in the country nationwide.

Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the gubernatorial election, Mr. Olusola Oke, has conceded defeat and congratulated the governor-elect.

In a statement he issued on Monday in Akure, the state capital, Mr. Oke also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies deployed for the election for displaying a high level of professionalism during the exercise.

He however expressed regret over the alleged open display of money by the members of the PDP and APC during the voting exercise to induce electorates on the election day.

“We shall voice our opinion whenever we believe any member of the incoming government strayed from the progressive calling required of the administration,” he posited.

Former Vice President and APC chieftain, Atiku, congratulated Nigerians, particularly the people of Ondo state, for having faith in the tenets of democracy as the best form of government.

He welcomed Ondo state back on the track of progressives in Nigeria, adding, “together, we shall work to bring prosperity and development to our fatherland”.

Governor Yari, who described the conduct of the election as peaceful, well organised, orderly and credible, also congratulated the chairman of INEC, Prof Mohmoud Yakub.

He also saluted the courage of the people of Ondo state and the orderly manner with which they conducted themselves during the electoral process, while calling on the people to support Akeredolu in order to benefit more from the chain of democratic dividends of his administration planned for them.

Newly inaugurated Edo governor, Mr. Obaseki also hailed INEC, security agencies and the people of Ondo state for the peaceful conduct of the election adding that, “it was an impressive victory for the people of Ondo state.”