Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has dedicated his victory in the state’s governorship election to his former principal, the late Rotimi Akeredolu. 

Mr Akeredolu died last year in December after a protracted prostrate cancer and was succeeded by Mr Aiyedatiwa. 

Mr Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared poll winner on Sunday after he beat his close rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

“I dedicate this victory, first to the Almighty God and second, to the memories of our departed leader and former governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said in his acceptance speech.

Mr Aiyedatiwa scored 366,781 out of the 497,077 valid votes, Mr Ajayi came second with 117,845 votes, while African Democratic Party’s Adeyemi Nejo came third with 4,138.

The governor commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for conducting a free, fair, and credible election and displaying a high level of professionalism during the exercise. 

“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.

“Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear state. I, therefore, want to extend a hand of fellowship to the opposition parties and invite you to collaborate with us in the onerous task of building a better Ondo State for the overall good of our people. Let us put aside our differences and work together to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our communities.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for “providing exemplary leadership”. He also expressed gratitude to the APC and the National Campaign Council of Ondo Governorship Election led by Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other party members.