Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said he would justify the trust that the people of Ondo State have in him.
Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the state, was on Sunday declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the winner of the poll.
The governor defeated Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), securing 366,781 votes to Ajayi’s 117,845.
Aiyedatiwa, who addressed journalists at the Government House in Akure, the state capital, described his victory as a triumph for democracy, unity and progress of the State.
He said: “This is not just my victory. It is a victory for all the people of Ondo State. I am deeply honoured by the overwhelming support and trust you have placed in me to continue leading our great state.
“This mandate is yours and it reinforces my resolve to work tirelessly for the betterment of every citizen.
“I stand before you this day, on the threshold of history, to accept the results of the 2024 gubernatorial election held in our Sunshine State.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pledge to work tirelessly to justify the trust you have reposed in me.
“As your Governor, I promise to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress.
“We will continue to prioritise the welfare of our people, foster economic growth, and ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come,” he assured.
The governor commended INEC for conducting a credible election and acknowledged the professionalism of security agencies for maintaining peace throughout the process.
“Let me commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair and credible election.
“The security agencies across the board are also deserving of our gratitude for being very professional in their assignment and maintaining peace throughout the exercise,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support and the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, as well as the National Campaign Council led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
The governor said: “I must appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing exemplary leadership and also ensuring a level playing ground in the just concluded election.
“To the State Chairman and Working Committee of our Party, Campaign team, my family, and friends, we couldn’t have achieved this huge success without your love, commitment, encouragement, and hard work”, he added.
He extended a hand of fellowship to opposition parties, urging them to collaborate in building a better Ondo State.
Governor Aiyedatiwa dedicated his victory to God and to the memory of former Governor, Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.