Ondo: PDP’s Jegede accepts governor-elect, Akeredolu

Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, defeated governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state , has dropped the idea of challenging the election.

Jegede was defeated by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Rotimi Jegede.

According to the Vanguard, the action of Jegede is seen as a rare display of statesmanship and political sagacity.

Jegede has opted not to challenge the outcome of the election in court, as widely expected by politicians in Nigeria, the Vanguard said on Thursday.

He said he had accepted the victory of Akeredolu in good faith and had moved on in the spirits of good sportsmanship.

Jegede, polled over 150,380 votes to Akeredolu’s 244,842 during the poll.

He said there was no need to continue to fight over the matter since the people of Ondo State had decided on who they want to serve them at this time.

“I have taken a decision to move on and I wish Governor Rotimi Akeredolu success, promising to release an official statement later in the day.

“I speak for myself. I believe that if I cannot serve the people of Ondo State now, another opportunity will come for me to do so at another time.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said that he had a profession and was returning to practice law.

“There is always need to demonstrate true statesmanship and that is what I have done,” Jegede said.

Jegede had not filed any petition against Akeredolu’s victory as expected in law more than 21 days after the results were declared.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Akeredolu, the candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC) as winner of governorship election in Ondo State.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Ambali, said Akeredolu polled 244, 842 votes to beat his closest rival, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 150, 380 votes.

According to Ambali, Chief Olusola Oke, the candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD), scored 126, 889 to come third.

The Returning Officer put the total registered voters at 1, 647, 973, out of which only 584, 997 voters were accredited while valid votes were put at 551,272 votes and 29, 615 votes were rejected.

“Having polled the highest number of votes and having satisfied all requirements, I hereby declare Oluwarotmi Akeredolu the governor-elect of Ondo State,” he said.

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