The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has commended the people of Ondo State for their emphatic rejection of tribalism and narrow political adventurism which were the hallmark of the campaign of the Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) in the just concluded gubernatorial election.
” How better do Nigerians say no to the drumbeats of tribalism and political narrowness than what the people of Ondo have just done with their votes? It is a quantum forward leap for those who understand the dangers of undue manipulation of national diversity for narrow political whims and a huge set back, utter rejection for the champions of ethnic politics.”
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said though the PDP was not declared the winner of the election, the Party was happy with the performance of its candidate “who obviously joined the race late.”
“While we commend, Chief Olusola Oke, his running mate, members and supporters of our party, we wish to also congratulate Chief Olusegun Mimiko on his victory.”
” In spite, another lesson is here for the nation, especially the opposition political parties to draw from the commitment of our great Party to the full entrenchment of the legacy of free, fair and credible polls. Ostensible is the manifest unwavering devotion of President Goodluck Jonathan to the cause of democracy.
He led the campaign of our Party to Ondo and promised free and fair election. Free and fair election he has once more delivered.
“The Party further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the polls, ” urging them to learn from any observed loopholes so as to continue improving in future elections.”
Senate President, Senator David Mark in his congratulatory message implored Mimiko to be magnanimous in victory, counseling losers in the election to accept the result of the polls in the spirit of sportsmanship because politics is a game that ultimately produces winners and losers.
He told Mimiko to bring all stakeholders in Ondo politics on board in the task of administering the state adding that the new mandate is a challenge for greater services to the people of Ondo state.
Mark said” the majority of the electorate in Ondo state have spoken through the ballot. As the governor and leader of the state , you owe them a duty to ensure that the citizens of the state reap the dividends of their investment( votes). You have a track record of performance . I am sure you will deliver.”
He praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Security operatives for ensuring a peaceful conduct of the polls.
Senator Mark was pleased that Nigerians have to appreciate democracy through free and fair elections.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has described the re-election of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as the Governor of Ondo State as “people’s verdict and democracy in action”.
Senator Ekweremadu stated this in a congratulatory message to the Dr. Mimiko and the people of Ondo State.
While expressing satisfaction with the efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the security agencies at ensuring a credible poll, the Deputy President of the Senate commended the people of Ondo State for their peaceful conduct.
Ekweremadu noted that the Ondo election in many ways indicated that the electoral reforms carried out by the 6th National Assembly through constitutional amendment was yielding greater results by the day.
He said: “In the end, it is not just about who won, but about a democratic, violence-free, and mature electoral process where the people freely express themselves and realise their will that count above everything else”
He urged Dr. Mimiko to work to justify the confidence reposed in him by the people by “being magnanimous and humble in victory, while also rallying all capable hands towards the development of Ondo State irrespective of political persuasion”.