From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, in Abuja, issued certificates of return to the Ondo State Governor-elect Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor-elect Dr Olayide Adelami, in last Saturday’s governorship election.
The electoral umpire, at the event, insisted that it conducted a transparent, free, fair and credible election, stressing that its Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, is on a trajectory towards making the commission one of the best election management bodies in the world.
The National Commissioner, Kunle Ajayi, who presented the certificates while representing the commission’s chairman, commended the contributions of the Ondo electorate, security agencies, the media and election observers.
According to Ajayi: “I want to commend and congratulate the Ondo electorate for the peaceful way and manner they conducted themselves during the just concluded governorship election.
“The voters’ attitude was generally impressive and there was no major electoral violence recorded. INEC remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring free, fair, credible and conclusive elections.
“The recently concluded Ondo State election represents a testament to our dedication to delivering a transparent election. The INEC Chairman, Yakubu, is consistent in achieving a situation to become one of the best election management bodies in the world.
“He is acting on our core values of independence, impartiality, neutrality and transparency. The strides made in the development of technology, the meticulous planning, and execution of the election all highlight the commission’s resolve to continuously improve the electoral process.
“I want to thank every stakeholder that contributed towards the successful conduct of this election, especially the voters for coming out to exercise their franchise thereby reaffirming accountability.
“The political parties and their candidates also deserve commendation for their adherence to democratic tenets during the campaign and on the election day. In addition, the election would not have been possible without the security agencies whose professional conduct ensured that voters could exercise their rights in a peaceful and secure environment.
“Let me also acknowledge the efforts of the election observers and media, whose presence ensured transparency and helped to build confidence in the electoral process.
“The issuance of certificates of return is not a mere ceremonial act, but a constitutional obligation under Section 72 (subsection 1) of the Electoral Act, which mandates INEC to issue certificates of return to the elected governors and elected deputy governors in free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
“This symbolises the official acknowledgement of the mandate conferred on the good people of Ondo State on November 16, 2024. It is also a reminder for the governor and deputy governor-elect to uphold democratic ideals and work tirelessly to deliver good governance,” he said.
In his response, Aiyedatiwa commended President Bola Tinubu for providing leadership, remaining unbiased in his approach, and refusing to favour anybody irrespective of political party.
“I cannot but thank our party, the leader of our party, the president of our country, Bola Tinubu, for the leadership he has provided for our nation. And for remaining unbiased in his approach, he did not favour anybody irrespective of political party.
“He provided a level playing ground for all of us during that contest. I would also like to thank the national chairman of our party for his leadership, and he is here today to identify with our success, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. I would also like to commend INEC for conducting a fair, credible and conclusive election that returned me and my deputy as the winners of that election.
“I would also like to thank the security agencies for their professionalism during the election. They provided security for lives, properties and materials during the election, and the election has been adjudged as one of the most peaceful elections in Nigeria,” Aiyedatiwa noted.