By Ifeanyi Olannye
Okowa, who is also governor Delta State, South-south Nigeria, made the declaration in a congratulatory message to Adeleke on his election victory issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba.
He added: “Let me congratulate my brother, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the July 16 governorship election in Osun.
“It is heart warming to see you emerge as Governor-elect of Osun against all odds and I am grateful to the electorates in Osun for shunning entreaties of retrogressive forces who were ostensibly resolved on subverting the wishes of the people through vote buying and other rigging strategies.
“Let me also thank the INEC for demonstrating true independence as required by the laws of our land and for improving on the logistics and conduct of the election.
“The most significant aspect of this victory is the peaceful outcome of the election as Osun people conducted themselves responsibly by ensuring that the election was devoid of violence.”
The governor also congratulated the PDP and the Chairman of its National Campaign Council for Osun Governorship Election and Governor of Bayelsa, Sen. Douye Diri and other members of the campaign council for their efforts which culminated to the victory.
He said the brotherhood displayed by PDP governors and other party members towards the election of Adeleke was what the country needed currently to take the nation to greater heights in 2023.
Okowa also appreciated the Presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President Namadi Sambo and former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki for their attendance at the rally in Osun, an action that contributed immensely to the outcome of the election.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke winner of the election after scoring 403,371 votes to defeat the incumbent, Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 375,027 votes.
According to Okowa, Adeleke’s victory is the affirmation of Osun people’s will, adding that Nigerians should always stand for good leaders with the interest of the people at heart as Osun people just did.
He said the electorates across the 30 local government areas of the state spoke loudly and very clearly in the affirmation of their choice for Adeleke as next governor.
He lauded former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Sen. Olu Alabi and other party leaders in the state for working together in the interest of PDP and Osun people.
“Going forward as a nation, we can only develop further if the people are allowed to chose their leaders at all levels without any hindrance as has been exemplified in Osun.
“It’s therefore, a clarion call on INEC to strive to do the right thing as an unbiased umpire.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you my dear brother and friend, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, on your successful election as Governor-elect of Osun,” he said.
The governor prayed God to grant Adeleke wisdom, knowledge and the needed resources to attend to his campaign promises of taking away the darkness that pervades the state.
(NAN)
