Out-going governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, on Monday, said he would not challenge the result of the June 21 governorship election in the state.
Fayemi, who made the disclosure when he received the governor-elect, Ayo Fayose, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in his office in Ado Ekiti, said “I will not challenge the result of the election because I am not desperate to remain in office.
“Election must not be seen as a do or die affair.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governor said Fayose’s victory has assisted in “strengthening and deepening’’ democracy, especially in Ekiti State and the country at large.
He added that “election by its nature generates tension and hot exchange of words; but to me, once the whole exercise is over, all those involved should take such with calmness and stop all acrimonious.
“It is my belief that we must all start imbibing attitude that will make us avoid activities that can threaten our peaceful co-existence. We must also avoid the bad loser syndrome.
“I believe we need to build this democracy to a mature end, rather than pull it down.”
Fayemi promised not to be distracted by the defeat, saying he would continue to work for the people of the state until October 15 when he would hand over to Fayose.
Earlier, Fayose had commended the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by Fayemi, describing his acceptance of defeat without question as “quite un-African.”
Fayose called on Nigerian politicians to emulate the good virtues of Fayemi.
The duo later went into closed door meeting.
Fayemi had earlier said in a broadcast on Sunday that he has no option than to accept the result of the election and congratulate Fayose “if indeed the outcome of the election is the will of the Ekiti people.”
