There has been huge jubilation in Owo, the hometown of Ondo State governor-elect, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, with his declaration as winner of the governorship election held on Saturday.

Akeredolu, in company of the Minister for Solid Minerals and former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, stormed the streets to celebrate with his supporters.

It was shouts of “thank you” from both APC men to the people who thronged the streets to celebrate the victory.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, declared the APC candidate, winner of the 2016 Ondo state governorship election.

Akeredolu polled 244, 842 votes to beat his closest rival, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 150, 380 votes, while Mr Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) follows with 126, 889 votes.

Earlier, Akeredolu described his victory as a clear demonstration of the will of the people of Ondo state.

“The people have spoken and have indeed spoken well,” he said, promising to go straight into work, to bring about improvement in all aspects of the state’s economy.

According to him, “there has been obvious neglect of people in the rural areas, and his government will focus more on grassroots development.

Part of his acceptance speech reads: “Today, change has come to Ondo state.

“I hereby make a solemn pledge that this collective mandate, shall address all issues with keen determination.

“We shall prosecute our convictions with courage. The welfare of our people alone shall be the directive policy of the government.

“Today’s victory is a confirmation of the willingness and readiness of the people of Ondo state to change and seek a better life.

“I thank you for your faith and confidence in me. I thank all those whose uncommon sacrifices contributed in no small measure to the success of this exercise.

“Also a special show of gratitude must be extended to our security agents for their patriotic duty.

“I appeal to everyone to embrace peace. The safety of lives and property for the people should be of paramount importance to us all. Let me use this opportunity to thank the President and leader of our party, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his exemplary leadership qualities.

“I thank also our indefatigable and principled party Chairman Chief Odigie Oyegun.” (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Ondo State Governor-elect Akeredolu and Fayemi during the victory celebration.

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