Akeredolu’s Victory: Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, Jegede, And Others React

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, has congratulated Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu of Ondo State after the Supreme Court’s verdict proclaiming Akeredolu’s victory over Eyitayo Jegede SAN of the PDP.

Buhari also urged the Sunshine State Governor and other elected leaders of the All Progressives Congress to prioritise the citizens in their developmental projects.

This was gathered from the statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.

Buhari also lauded Akeredolu for his continuous efforts in the development of the state.

“For assiduously working for the development of the state, with reforms that continue to attract the goodwill of investors, and insistence that education, health, and security take priority.”

The president also stated that the outcome of the Supreme court will further foster their chances in the upcoming elections. 

“The Supreme Court Judgment preceded by that of the Court of Appeal, further bolsters the strength and reach of the APC and its bright chances of consolidation in coming elections.”

The Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Eyitayo Jegede, who filed the case against the governor’s victory at the poll has also congratulated him following his victory.

Eyitayo Jegede disclosed this in a statement signed by him, following the outcome of the Supreme Court verdict. In this statement, he reiterated that his respect for the judiciary and justices of the Supreme Court has not diminished.

Jegede also said he has accepted his fate, saying that the outcome of the judgment should not dissuade people from aspiring to leadership positions in the state.

“Now that we have explored the grievance procedure permitted by the constitution and the law, it is time to give glory to God.

“With this outcome, our respect and reverence for the judiciary and our justices of the supreme court have not diminished. I congratulate Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

“The outcome of the judgment should not deter good and well-meaning individuals from aspiring for leadership in our state judgment country. For all our people who have stood strong, we salute you.”

Governor Babatunde Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile described the decision of the Supreme Court as a validation of the people’s mandate.

He also affirmed that people should submit themselves to the tenets of democracy which included post-election litigation. 

“As democrats, we must submit ourselves to the tenets of democracy, which include post-election litigation. Today’s judgment has put paid to all insinuations and doubts about the resounding victory of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

“I, therefore, call on all lovers of democracy, especially the people of Ondo State to come together for a continuation of good governance and the developmental process of Ondo state, started by Governor Akeredolu from his first term in office.”

Governor Akeredolu, on the other hand, has called upon his counterpart to join hands with him to take the state to greater heights. 

Akeredolu, who described his victory as an act of God said: “I have every reason to thank God and to appreciate our judiciary for standing by the truth and for not yielding to any influence. I believe that we can still be proud of our judiciary in this country.

“For me, it is an opportunity again for us to get on board and do more work.”

“My advice to Jegede is that this has ended now. Let him come, let us work together, at least for the upliftment of Ondo State. I don’t doubt his love for the state.”

The Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Ade Adetimehin also said the party is thrilled by the resolve of the apex court to uphold the decisions of the lower courts on the petition, stating that “the truth is always constant.”