President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Dr. Kayode Fayemi on winning the Ekiti State governorship election.
Chief Returning Officer for the election and Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, announced at the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) headquarters in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday on Sunday morning that Fayemi polled 197,459 votes to emerge winner.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, came second with 178,121 votes.
In a statement signed by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, Buhari commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and all party supporters for the hard-fought victory.
“President Buhari urges the governor-elect and APC members to be magnanimous in victory as the incoming administration prepares to unfold a new lease of life for the people of Ekiti State through purposeful and responsible governance.
“He commends the people of the State for their matured and peaceful conduct as they made their choice using the power of the ballot.
“President Buhari also lauds the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for adequate preparations and displaying impartiality throughout the process.
“He applauds the security agencies for creating the right atmosphere for the relatively peaceful conduct of the polls and urges them to sustain the peace.
“He also commends local and international observers and monitors for their vigilance and contributions towards the relatively hitch-free exercise.
“The President urges the losers to be gallant in conceding defeat and use constitutional means to settle whatever grievances they may have rather than resort to self-help.
“President Buhari appeals to all stakeholders in Ekiti State to work towards a successful transition to a new administration in the higher interest of not only the State but the entire nation and its fledgeling democratic experience,” the statement reads.
The PDP has, however, rejected the results, saying that the election was marred by irregularities and attacks of its members and supporters.
“In all this, the people of Ekiti State have spoken loud and clear, and democracy has won again,” Buhari concluded.
