From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, in Abuja, issued certificates of return to the Ondo State governor-elect and deputy governor-elect in last Saturday’s governorship election.
The electoral umpire, at the event, insisted it conducted a transparent, free, fair and credible election, stressing that its Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, is on a trajectory towards making the commission one of the best election management bodies in the world.
National Commissioner, Kunle Ajayi, who presented the certificates, commended the contributions of the Ondo electorate, security agencies, the media and election observers.
“I want to commend and congratulate the Ondo electorate for the peaceful way and manners they conducted themselves during the just concluded governorship election.
“The voters’ attitude was generally impressive and there was no major electoral violence recorded. INEC remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring free, fair, credible and conclusive elections.
“The recently concluded Ondo State election represents is a testament to our dedication to delivering a transparent election. The INEC Chairman, Yakubu, is consistent in achieving a situation to become one of the best election management bodies in the world.
“He is acting on our core values of independence, impartiality, neutrality, and transparency. The strides made in the development of technology, the meticulous planning, and execution of the election all highlight the commission’s resolve to continuously improve the electoral process.
“I want to thank every stakeholder that contributed towards the successful conduct of this election, especially the voters for coming out to exercise their franchise thereby reaffirming accountability.
“The political parties and their candidates also deserve commendation for their adherence to democratic tenets during campaign and on the election day. In addition, the election would not have been possible without the security agencies whose professional conducts ensured voters could exercise their rights in a peaceful and secure environment.
“Let me also acknowledge the efforts of the election observers and media whose presence ensured transparency and helped to build transparency and help build confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the leadership, remaining unbiased in his approach, and refusal to favour anybody irrespective of political party.
“I cannot but thank our party, the leader of our party, the president of our country, Tinubu, for the leadership he has provided for our nation. And for remaining unbiased in his approach, he did not favour anybody irrespective of political party. He provided a level playing field for all of us during that contest. I would also like to thank the national chairman of our party for his leadership and he is here today to identify with our success, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. I also like to commend INEC for conducting a fair, credible and conclusive election that returned me and my deputy as the winner in that election. I also like to thank the security agencies for their professionalism during the election. They provided security for lives, properties and materials during the election and the election has been adjudged as one of the most peaceful elections in Nigeria,” Aiyedatiwa said.
