Dr Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress has been announced as the official winner of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Ekiti State by the Independent National Electoral Commission and he has been congratulated by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, said the APC flagbearer had satisfied the requirement of the law by polling the highest lawful votes in the election.
Fayemi polled 197, 459 to beat Prof. Kolapo Olusola of the Peoples Democratic Party who scored 178,121 votes.
While congratulating the winner, President Muhammadu Buhari urged the loser, Professor Olusola Eleka to be gallant in conceding defeat.
The President in a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina also commended all APC supporters for the hard-fought victory after a dignified campaign.
He urged the governor-elect and APC members to be magnanimous in victory as the incoming administration prepares to unfold a new lease of life for the people of Ekiti State through purposeful and responsible governance.
He commended the people of the State for their matured and peaceful conduct as they made their choice using the power of the ballot.
President Buhari also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for adequate preparations and displaying impartiality throughout the process.
He applauded the security agencies for creating the right atmosphere for the relatively peaceful conduct of the polls and urges them to sustain the peace and local and international observers and monitors for their vigilance and contributions towards the relatively hitch-free exercise.
The President urged the losers to be gallant in conceding defeat and use constitutional means to settle whatever grievances they may have rather than resort to self-help.
Buhari appealed to all stakeholders in Ekiti State to work towards a successful transition to a new administration in the higher interest of not only the State but the entire nation and its fledgling democratic experience.
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola and Omotoyosi Jesuleye
