Ekiti Election: Buhari Congratulates Fayemi, Urges ‘Losers’ To Concede Defeat

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, for emerging winner of the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday declared Mr Fayemi as winner of the Ekiti election after polling 197, 459 votes against his major contender and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, who earned 178, 121 votes at the poll.

Fayemi, who recently resigned his position as the Minister of Mines and Steel, was declared winner of the Ekiti election by INEC returning officer, Professor Idowu Olayinka.

President Buhari congratulated the governor-elect in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.

The statement reads, “President Muhammadu Buhari heartily congratulates Dr. John Kayode Fayemi on winning the Ekiti State governorship election.

“The President commends the All Progressives Congress candidate and all party supporters for the hard-fought victory after a dignified campaign.

“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 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 fledgling democratic experience.

“In all this, the people of Ekiti State have spoken loud and clear, and democracy has won again,” the President added.