The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday conceded defeat in the Ondo State governorship poll? and congratulated the Labour Party’s candidate, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, on his victory.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Olisa Metuh, made the announcement in Abuja in a statement he distributed to newsmen.
He said that the outcome of the election was an evidence of President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment to the cause of democracy.
Metuh said that although the PDP did not win the election, the party was happy with the performance of its candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, who,? he noted, joined the race late and ended second on the poll.
“While we commend Chief Olusola Oke, his running mate, members and supporters of our party, we wish to also congratulate Chief Olusegun Mimiko on his victory.
“Another lesson here for the nation, especially the opposition parties, is to draw from the commitment of our great party to the full entrenchment of the legacy of free, fair and credible polls.
“This is the manifestation of the unwavering devotion of President Goodluck Jonathan to the cause of democracy.
“He led the campaign of our party to Ondo State and promised free and fair election; free and fair election he has once more delivered,” Metuh said.
The party scribe also commended INEC and security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the polls and urged them to learn from any observed loopholes to improve on future elections.
He praised the people of Ondo State for their “emphatic rejection of tribalism and narrow political adventurism” evident before the election.
“How better can Nigerians say no to the drumbeats of tribalism and political narrowness than what the people of Ondo State have just done with their votes?
“It is a forward leap for those who understand the dangers of undue manipulation of national diversity for narrow political whims and utter rejection of the champions of ethnic politics, “ Metuh said.
Mimiko got a total of 260,199 votes to emerge the winner of the election.
Oke came second with 155,961 votes while the ACN candidate Chief? Rotimi Akeredolu came third with 143, 512 votes.