APC’s unity tested by Ondo poll – Buhari

• Congratulates Akeredolu
• Says APC will play by the rule

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday congratulated the Governor-Elect of Ondo State, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) “on his well-deserved victory” in the Saturday, November 26 governorship election in the state.

But he observed that the Ondo election was a different kind of election, which tested the unity and resilience of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja, Buhari also congratulated the Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun, the Chairman of the Campaign Committee, Governor Simon Lalong, of Plateau State, and “all party faithful who put in their best and braved the odds to ensure a successful outing for the flag bearer.”

It said the President rejoiced with the good people of Ondo State, who aligned with his own belief that Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, with his pedigree, possesses the qualities to transform the state into the Ondo of their dreams.

The statement added: “From the beginning, this election set out to be a different kind of election. The unity and resilience of the party was tested. I am happy we came out of this victorious.

“This is a huge win. The mood today is against corruption, insecurity and for the restoration of the economy and the creation of jobs. This is where the party stands and I am happy that the electorate has read the situation correctly.”

The President called on other contestants in the election to see the triumph of Chief Akeredolu as the wish of God and enjoined them to work together with him to make the state a truly progressive and economically prosperous one for all.

Buhari commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Security Agencies and the voters for the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections.

According to the statement, “as the Governor-elect prepares to assemble his team, and bring the much desired change to the people,” President Buhari urged him to put behind whatever acrimonies may have arisen from the electioneering process, and reach out to all well-meaning people in the state and beyond, to implement his vision.

The President used the opportunity to assure Nigerians that the APC-led administration under his watch was committed to playing by the rules, and there will be no let-up “until we see the great nation of our dreams in all spheres of national development.”