Chief Rotimi Akeredolu of All Progressive Congress (APC) has emerged as governor-elect of Ondo state following a keenly contested election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the APC candidate as winner of the election after collation of results from different Polling Units on Sunday morning.
Mr Akeredolu of APC polled the highest number of votes of 244,842 to defeat his closest rival, Eyitayo Jegede of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Mr Oke came third with 126,889 votes.
Returning Officer Prof. A. Ambali, who is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, put the total number of votes cast at 580,887.
“That I Prof. Ganiyu Ambali certified that I was the returning officer of the election held on Nov 26, 2016.’’
“It is my pleasure to state here that after the exercise, the people of Ondo state have spoken that Rotimi Akeredolu of APC has been duly elected as governor of the state.”
The break-down of the polls across the 18 local governments are hereunder:
The results from the local governments are hereunder as announced.
Meanwhile, Akeredolu has taken to his twitter handle to express gratitude to the people.
He described the victory as the handwork 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.’’
He thanked the people of the 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 four 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.
“Today’s victory is a confirmation of the willingness and readiness of the people of Ondo state to change and seek a better life. I thank you for your faith and confidence in me. I thank all those, whose uncommon sacrifices, contributed in no small measure to the success of the exercise.
“A special show of gratitude must be extended to our security agents for their patriotic duty.’’
He will be sworn-in early next year.
