On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Oyo State issued a certificate of return to Governor Seyi Makinde, who emerged winner of the governorship election held on March 18.

The event, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, also witnessed the presentation of certificates of return to 32 newly elected House of Assembly members.

Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner in charge of Oyo, Ekiti and Lagos, supervised the presentation of the certificates.

In his remarks, Mr Olumekun said the commission would continue to conduct free and credible elections in the country regardless of any odds encountered.

He attributed the general election’s success to early preparations immediately after the 2019 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Adeniran Tella, reassured all stakeholders in the electioneering process that INEC was poised to build on the high level of credibility it has achieved so far by deploying the use of technology into our electoral process.

“This further confirms the commission’s determination and commitment to becoming one of the best election management bodies in the world that will meet the aspiration of the people.”

Mr Tella appealed to the governor-elect, his deputy and all the 32 state House of Assembly elected members to be magnanimous in victory.

He urged them to use the renewed mandates to serve the people diligently and truthfully.

Mr Makinde, in his remarks, promised to take the state from poverty to prosperity and dedicated his election victory to the people of Oyo State.

Political associates of the governor, government appointees, traditional rulers, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) members, and religious leaders, among others, attended the event. 

(NAN)