Akeredolu’s election tested APC’s unity – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on his electoral victory at the just concluded Ondo state governorship election.

The congratulatory message is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The president also congratulated the chairman of the APC, John Oyegun, the chairman of the Campaign Committee, Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, and all party faithful who put in their best and braved the odds to ensure a successful outing for the flag bearer.

“Buhari rejoices with the good people of Ondo State who aligned with his own belief that Akeredolu with his pedigree possesses the qualities to transform the state into the Ondo of their dreams,” the statement said.

“From the beginning, this election set out to be a different kind of election. The unity and resilience of the party was tested. I am happy we came out of this victorious.

“This is a huge win. The mood today is against corruption, insecurity and for the restoration of the economy and the creation of jobs.

“This is where the party stands and I am happy that the electorate has read the situation correctly.”

He called on other contestants in the election to see the triumph of Mr. Akeredolu as the wish of God and enjoined them to work together with him to make “the state a truly progressive and economically prosperous one for all.”

The president commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies and the voters for the peaceful and successful conduct of the election.

He urged the governor-elect to put behind whatever acrimonies may have arisen from the electioneering process, and reach out to all well-meaning people in the state and beyond, to implement his vision to bring the much desired change to the people.

The president assured Nigerians that the APC-led administration under his watch was committed to playing by the rules, and there would be no let-up “until we see the great nation of our dreams in all spheres of national development.”

INEC, on Sunday, declared Mr. Akeredolu winner of the governorship poll.

Mr. Akeredolu polled 244, 842 votes to beat his closest rival, Eyitayo Jegede, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 150, 380 votes.

Olusola Oke, the candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD), scored 126, 889 to come third.

(NAN)