A Certificate of return has been presented to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, winner of the November 16, 2024 off cycle governorship election in Ondo state, southwest Nigeria.
The ceremony at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital attracted a huge number of party leaders and supportters Luck Aiyedatiwa of the APC and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami.
The INEC National Commissioner overseeing Ondo, Ogun, and Osun States, Professor Kunle Ajayi, who officially presented the Certificate of Return said the event marks the formal conclusion of the governorship election process in Ondo State, reinforcing the outcome of the election held on November 16, 2024.
In his address, Professor Ajayi noted the importance of the occasion as he delivered the certificates to the newly elected officials.
“It’s with a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you for the issuance of certificates to the governor-elect and deputy governor-elect of Ondo State. This ceremony marks the culmination of a democratic process that reflects the will and aspirations of the good people of Ondo State,” he stated.
He emphasised that the issuance of the certificates was a constitutional duty enshrined in Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act.
“This symbolises the official acknowledgment of the mandate conferred on the good people of Ondo State,” he noted, urging the newly elected officials to uphold democratic ideals and strive for good governance.
Ajayi commended the electorate for their commendable conduct during the election, citing the absence of significant electoral violence as a triumph for democracy.
“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,” he remarked, highlighting the commission’s dedication to improving the electoral process through technology, meticulous planning, and execution.
“We could not have achieved this without the support of various stakeholders, including the political parties and their candidates, as well as the security agencies whose professional conduct ensured that voters could exercise their rights in a peaceful and secure environment,” Ajayi continued.
In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their support and trust.
“Today marks the conclusion of the electoral process that started some months back with our party’s primary on April 20, 2024.
“I cannot but continue to express my gratitude to the people of Ondo State who came out en masse on November 16 to cast their votes for our party, the APC, and for myself and my deputy in that election,” he stated.
Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising him for providing a level playing field during the electoral contest.
He also commended INEC for conducting what he described as a fair and credible election, emphasising the professionalism of the security agencies throughout the process.
“I commend the good people of Ondo State for the mandate you have just renewed via your votes across the 18 local governments,” Aiyedatiwa concluded. You have placed a burden on me to serve you more than I have done in the past ten months,” he said.
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Umar Ganduje said the peaceful nature of the election was a plus for democracy in Nigeria and Africa.
Ganduje said the exercise proved that democracy has evolved in Nigeria and leaders of the party at all levels would provide dividends of democracy to citzens.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, he noted that “the southwest zone is the zone of our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and we need to keep homoeniety in the zone. The states with APC Governors will continue to work for the people and we hope that through the democratic process we will win Osun State and Oyo State,” Ganduje added.
Confidence Okwuchi
Comments are closed.