Ekiti Poll: PDP Candidate Accepts Defeat, Congratulates Gov-elect, Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign Organization of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Governor elect of Ekiti state,(BAO)  has hailed the people  for electing the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

Also, Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Bisi Kolawole, who placed third in the election, has rejoiced with Oyebanji on his victory.

The Campaign Organisation in a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity, Taiwo Olatunbosun, on Sunday, described Oyebanji’s success at the poll on Saturday as a victory for all the people of the state.

The BAO Campaign said the icing on the cake for the triumph of the Governor-elect was the record-breaking electoral victory which has broken the jinx of ruling party not succeeding in achieving a back-to-back victory in the state.

The statement said: “The victory was remarkable in so many ways. We have predicted a landslide victory for BAO few days ago and this has come to pass with the popular mandate given to him by the electorate in a spectacular fashion

“It also marked the first time that a ruling party would produce a successor to an outgoing governor, the first time a ruling party would be succeeding itself by winning power back-to-back.

“Governor Fayemi has made history, the Governor-elect, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has made history as well.

“This victory was an endorsement of the widely acknowledged unprecedented and stellar performance of Governor Fayemi for over three-and-half years now.

“Ekiti people have shown appreciation to this great statesman for his diligent service to them with this victory.

“The victory was also a gesture of confidence in the leadership ability, competence and pedigree of the Governor-elect judging by his glorious antecedents in public service which have prepared him for the task ahead.

“We thank the people of Ekiti State for making BAO a part of history by giving him a popular mandate.

“We thank them for giving the APC an opportunity to make history as the ruling first party to produce a successor to an incumbent Governor. This marks a watershed in the political history of the state.”

A statement personally signed by the PD Candidate, reads :  “Following the announcement of your victory in the June 18 Ekiti Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, I hereby write to congratulate you accordingly.

‘I believe that power belongs to God and He bestow upon whoever he chooses.

“I also believe in popular choice ie the unfettered expression of the peoples mandate as one of the crucial hallmarks of democratic principle and practice.

“Democracy must, therefore, deliver to the people dividends of security or protection and enhance their social welfare and well-being basically,and among other deliverables.

“These were the motivation for my own ambition in the governorship of Ekiti state which I feel strongly to reiterate here in view of the precarious situations of our people at the moment.

“Please take urgent actions aimed at redressing the plights of our people when you fully assume the mantle shortly.

“Finally, I wish you the guidance of the almighty God in the onerous task ahead. Congratulations to your spouse and also running mate.”