Ondo Decides: Oke, Mimiko, Concedes Defeat, Congratulates Akeredolu, Jegede Refuses – Still Studying Result

BEVERLY HILLS, November 28, (THEWILL) – Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State and the Gubernatorial Candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in just concluded state election, Chief Olusola Oke have sent congratulatory messages to the Governor-elect, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN.

Mimiko, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, made available in Akure, on Monday, urged residents to strive to sustain the peace enjoyed in the state for the past seven years as he promised to continue to provide leadership to the state until the takeover date.

“It behoves on me as Governor of Ondo State to congratulate the Governor-elect, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and wish him success in the challenging task of governing our dear state,” he said.

“It is incumbent upon me as Governor to facilitate smooth transition between my government and the incoming one. I will, to this end, provide the ambience for a smooth and seamless transition process.

“I use this medium to express my sincere appreciation to all our citizens for the very peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves throughout the election period.

“I will not waiver in providing needed leadership to our dear state till the last day of my term.”

Similarly, Oke who addressed reporters in his residence in Akure congratulated Akeredolu wishing him success as he commended both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agents deployed to the State for being fair in the handling of their duties.

He assured that as members of the opposition, the AD shall continue to contribute to the process of governance and would not hesitate to point, in a civilized manner, the attention of the incoming government to any area where the masses seem not to have been considered in the policy framework of governance.

“We shall voice our opinion whenever we believe any member of the incoming government strayed from the progressive calling required of the administration,” he posited.

However, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday's election, Eyitayo Jegede, said he is still studying the outcome adding that the PDP would make a decision on the election.

“It is too early to decide on what to do as a person. My party the PDP, will decide what to do. We are still consulting with those that matter so as to know the next line of action,” he said.

“I know we have won the heart of the people and I should thank our people for standing by us and for their show of love and their steadfastness.

“We are studying the situation and in the fullness of time you will know what the position of the party is.

“The events that led to the election are known to you and I. We had 48 hours to prepare for the election. I was cleared by the court on Wednesday and had only Thursday to campaign and on Saturday I had to go for election.

“Our request for postponement of the election was denied by INEC for reasons that we are yet to fathom and these are the things in the next few days we will have to review.”

Story by Oputah David