OSUN State practically erupted in spontaneous, wild jubilation on Sunday morning, over the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the governorship election held on Saturday.
Residents of the state capital and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate trooped out to the streets in their hundreds as early as 6.00 a.m., chanting victory songs and waving brooms.
Governor Aregbesola secured a second term of four years in office, after polling 394,684 votes in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Aregbesola, the candidate of the APC, triumphed over his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who scored 292,747 votes to emerge second.
The result of the election was announced by the Returning Officer, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Bamitale Omole, at about 7.30 a.m. on Sunday, at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo, the state capital.
The candidate of the Labour Party, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, came a distant third in the election that saw the incumbent governor winning in more than two thirds of the 30 local government areas of the state.
There was spontaneous jubilations across the state, when the result was announced, just as congratulatory messages poured in for Aregbesola for his victory.
The jubilation, which began in Osogbo at about 6.00 p.m. on Saturday, shortly after the close of balloting, assumed an upward swing early on Sunday, as thousands of people stormed the major highways, roundabouts and other popular areas of the town to celebrate the victory.
By 7.00 p.m on Saturday, notable places like Olaiya Roundabout and Okefia had become a sea of heads, with the crowd first heading for the fast-becoming famous Freedom Park in the heart of the town.
Hundreds of commercial motorcyclists added colour to the near carnival, as most of them tried to outdo one another in cycling artistry to the admiration of the teeming crowd.
Commercial vehicle operators and a number of other motorists blared the horns of their vehicles, celebrating the victory.
Motorists and motorcyclists conveying APC supporters also drove round the town in a frenzy of jubilation, while scores of other excited residents made their way to the Freedom Park to savour the victory.
The celebration was also taken to the Governor’s Office, where the authorities had to fling the gates open, following their demand to see the governor.
Apparently overwhelmed by the zeal and size of the crowd, top government officials gave in to their request, which was to felicitate with the governor, who eventually advised them to head for the Freedom Park.
Clusters of other excited people could be seen at street corners and on balconies, discussing in animated voices how, despite the much-feared federal might and what many had perceived as police and military intimidation in the build-up to the election, the governor trounced his PDP arch-rival, Dr Omisore.
Nigerian Tribune investigation revealed that the celebration was not limited to the state capital.
In other major towns, including Ilesa, the home town of the incumbent governor, many churches recorded unusual low turnout of worshippers, as people were too excited to go for church services.
In neigbouring Ede, where the governor received an overwhelming support of voters at the poll, thousands of the residents also besieged the streets and market places, in continuation of the celebration.
Motorists and motorcyclists threw the town agog, just as many other people chose to celebrate the governor’s re-election at restaurants and drinking joints.
By 3.00 p.m. on Sunday, the streets of Iwo were still brimming with thousands of residents of the town, jubilating in different forms.
Vehicular movement was impeded, with most motorists, especially commercial vehicle operators expressing solidarity with the jubilant crowd.
Reports also indicated spontaneous jubilation by most residents of the Ife/Ijesa axis of the state as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began the final collation of the election results, which was aired live on the television.
Similarly, residents of other places like Ikirun, Ila Orangun, Ejigbo, Ikire and Gbongan turned the streets into carnival grounds, with local drummers displaying their dexterity.
Following the announcement of Aregbesola, wild jubilations also erupted in Modakeke area of Ile-Ife, with broom-wielding youths blocking the Ife-Ondo Road.
At Garage Olode, some youths and children also held brooms and sang jubilantly on the road, as motorists showed the two-finer victory sign to demonstrate acceptance.
Meanwhile, Senate President, David Mark, on Sunday, congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola over his victory at the governorship election held in Osun State, on Saturday.
Mark, in the congratulatory message, however, asked Aregbesola to be magnanimous in victory, saying that he surely needed all the stakeholders to move Osun State to the next level.
He stated that the citizens of Osun State deserved good governance and dividends of democracy as rewards for their investments, as expressed in their votes on Saturday.
“As the governor of Osun State, you are a father figure to all and a leader whom the citizens of the state look up to. Therefore, it is incumbent on you to carry everybody along. You must strive to give everybody, irrespective of religious or political affiliation, a sense of belonging,” he stated.
Also, the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, congratulated Governor Aregbesola, saying his re-election was a confirmation of the goodwill he enjoyed among the people of state.
The minister, however, added that, “the tireless effort of INEC officials and our security forces in ensuring a credible outcome of the Osun election pays glowing tributes to President Goodluck Jonathan’s strong and consistent commitment to free, fair, and peaceful elections.”
Obanikoro, in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, also congratulated Aregbesola’s closest rival, Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the good people of Osun for, once again re-affirming the will of democracy by their exceptional conduct during the just concluded gubernatorial election.
Victory shows your popularity, acceptability —Atiku
Former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has said that the victory of Rauf Aregbesola at the weekend’s governorship election in Osun State, is a measure of the popularity and acceptability of both the governor and the opposition party.
The former Vice President made the assertion on Sunday ,in a congratulatory message to Governor Aregebesola, over overwhelming re-election for a second term in office.
The former Vice President in a press statement signed by his media office in Abuja, on Sunday ,observed that the overwhelming victory recorded by the APC in the election is a clear indication that Governor Aregbesola is very popular among the people of the state and thus ,the support given to him and the political party that presented him.
Atiku, whose wife is an indigene of Osun State, and had earlier solicited the support of the people of the state to vote overwhelmingly for the APC candidate, also showed appreciation to the voters in Osun State for not letting him down as an in-law.
“The victory of Governor Aregbesola and the APC in the governorship election in Osun State is very symbolic. It shows clearly that my in-law and the incumbent governor is very popular among his people of Osun State.
“It also shows significantly that the people of Osun State are at home with the APC and the mass oriented policies associated with our great party, the Turaki Adamawa said.
Your victory well-deserved —Amaechi
By Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt
Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has hailed his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, on his victory at the polls on Saturday, which ensured his second election into office.
The governor, in a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr David Iyofor, in Port Harcourt, on Sunday, also congratulated the people of Osun State and the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the victory.
Describing the victory as well deserved, he added, “and it goes to show that the people of Osun decided to vote wisely. They chose sustainable development and good leadership.”
Amaechi expressed confidence that in 2015, and beyond, other states across the nation would follow the example of the people of Osun and fully embrace the change which he said, APC offered.
In a related development, Rivers State chapter of the APCsaid the days of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the centre are numbered, with the victory of Governor Aregbesola in the governorship election held in Osun State, on Saturday.
The chairman of the party, Dr Davies Ikanya, also described the outcome of the election as people’s victory “over federal might, tyranny and anti-democratic elements.”
Femi Fani-Kayode congratulates Aregbesola
By Taiwo Olanrewaju
MR Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, has congratulated Mr Rauf Aregbesola, on his victory in the just concluded elections in Osun State.
Fani-Kayode also congratulated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for conducting a free and fair election in which there was no rigging.
The former aviation minister, who conveyed his message via a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, noted that Governor Aregbesola polled 394,684 votes while Senator Iyiola Omisore polled 292,747 votes, adding “It is clear from the foregoing that Aregbesola, has not only won but has also won convincingly.”
He, however, saluted the courage of the PDP members in Osun for putting up a good fight.
Be magnanimous in victory —Fayose
By Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti
The governor-elect of Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, has congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola, on his re-election for a second term at the weekend and urged him to be magnanimous in victory.
Fayose also hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for “giving Nigerians another credible election” and noted that “this is yet another sign that the 2015 general election would be credible and hitch-free.”
Fayose said President Jonathan “has been championing the cause of credible elections in Nigeria and standing firmly by it and this is a sign of good things to come in the country.”
Fayose also congratulated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, for “his doggedness”, pointing out that “he put up a good fight and there’s always another day to fight.”
The governor-elect, who also saluted the members of the PDP in Osun State for their efforts in the election and charged them not to despair following its outcome.
Fayose said in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, that “Aregbesola’s victory is a plus for democracy in Nigeria as it showed that Nigerians could conduct their affairs in peaceful and orderly manner,” saying he was ready as the incoming governor of Ekiti State “to have a pleasant working relationship with Aregbesola in the bid to move our states and the South-West geo-political zone forward.”
Victory is sweet —APC Reps caucus
by Kolawole Daniel - Abuja
All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the House of Representatives, on Sunday, congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola ,over his re-election in the just concluded Osun State governorship election.
The APC caucus leader, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, in a statement he personally signed ,saluted the people of Osun for standing against the oppression of external forces.
“His Excellency, Rauf Aregbesola. For you ,it is veni vidi vici. You came, you saw and you conquered. In spite of the forces unleashed against you, your victory was sweet and swift just as it was inevitable.”
“On behalf of my APC colleagues in the House and all progressives, I congratulate you as you continue to lead the state and good people of Osun to the promised land for the next four years. Indeed God is with you and with Nigeria,” he stated.
Aregbesola’s re-election, victory for democracy —LG boss
Chairman Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jide Jimoh, on Sunday described the re-election of Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, as victory for democracy, saying that people voted massively for their candidate despite the threat constituted by heavy presence of soldiers on streets in the state.
The chairman made the remark in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Debo Omilani, declaring that the Osun people expressed their through the ballot despite all forms of intimidation by President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure.
“People expressed their minds through their votes that they cannot be intimidated by President Jonathan and the entire PDP,” he said, adding that last Saturday’s governorship election was free and fair.
through their votes and that they cannot be intimidated.He said, “ people expressed their minds to President Jonathan and the
entire PDP through their votes and that they cannot be intimidated.
The council boss, while assuring that All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations across the country were resolved to serve the people better, pointed out that, “Osun election has showed that 2015 General Election will be a surprise game for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
Mimiko congratulates him, praises Jonathan
By Akinmade kayode
The Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has congratulated his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, on his re-election for a second term in office following his victory at the last Saturday’s governorship poll, submitting that with the success of the Osun election, the nation has moved to political maturity.
“With the success of the Osun election, no doubt, we have moved from where we were as a nation as far as democratic maturity is concerned and the sincerity being demonstrated by President Goodluck Jonathan, to make the project Nigeria work, is a vital tonic to our growth and its obvious now that the sky is our limit as a nation”
In his congratulatory message, made available by the state Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, Mimiko said the process leading to Aregbesola’s victory as enabled by President Jonathan “is a demonstration that we can get it right if we are sincere and determined”
He commended President Jonathan for the political will to make available, the enabling environment which made possible, the successful holding of the election that led to the re-election of Governor Aregbesola, declaring that “to his credit, President Jonathan has earned himself a place of honour and envy in the history of our dear country as a true and unequalled democrat who will not politicise or compromise on his love for his country.
“Overtime, President Jonathan has proved to be a sincere and noble leader, who would do everything to ensure that our nation becomes a place of pride and a democratic society in its true meaning” he said.
Osun PDP rejects gov election results •Vows to recover stolen mandate
By Oluwole Ige - Osogbo
Divergent reactions trailing the outcome of last Saturday’s governorship poll in Osun took a new dimension on Sunday as the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejected in its entirety, the result of the exercise, which was won by the incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Aregbesola, who is the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had defeated the candidate of the PDP, Senator Iyiola Omisore by polling394,684 while the opposition party secured 292,747 votes.
In a statement issued by the chairman of the PDP in Osun, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa to newsmen, the party maintained that “we would not accept the result of the election held in the state on Saturday and we have vowed to recover our stolen mandate”.
While affirming that the election was “marred with fraud and irregularities”, the opposition party asserted that “our party rejects in its totality the entire result of the Saturday’s governorship poll”, stressing that “Osun PDP remains ever united and the party’s legal team will meet on the way forward.”
According to the statement, “we had hitherto accused the APC of violently attacking our members in Osogbo, Olorunda, Isokan, Egbedore, Oriade Ejigbo, Obokun Ede North, Ede South, Orolu, Irepodun, Boripe, Boluwaduro, among others”.
Olaoluwa, however, thanked the people of the state for voting for the PDP during the election, urging them to exercise patience as necessary machineries would be put in motion to retrieve the stolen mandate.
It is divine victory —Amosun
By Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has congratulated Mr. Rauf Aregbsola, of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and the people of Osun State ,on the victory of the governor at the governorship election in the state, last Saturday.
Amosun described Aregbesola’s re-election as divine and commended the people of the state for keeping faith with the party and for their unwavering support for the governor and the APC at the poll.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs.Funmi Wakama, the governor said that the electorate have shown clearly through the resounding victory of Aregbesola that they can make up their own minds, irrespective of pressures and persuasion, by voting for the APC and indeed, Aregbesola, at the just concluded election.
He charged the governor to see his second coming as most divine and re-dedicate himself to the service of the people of the state, who have freely given him their mandate for a second term.
“The people have again spoken with one voice through their mandate, freely given. I have always said it that our people are sophisticated and know which party is working and those that have their genuine interest at heart. This ,they have demonstrated in Osun State.
“I had no doubt in my mind that our party would come out victorious. We campaigned vigorously and encouraged our supporters to vote their conscience.” the governor said.
Amosun enjoined Aregbesola to continue with the good work he started and prayed God to continue to grant him the wisdom and streng.
Victory well-deserved —Fayemi
By Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti
Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated the governor of Osun State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last Saturday’s election, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, on his re-election for a second term in office.
Fayemi, who described the outcome of “the election as an expression of the will of the people,” said “Governor Aregbesola’s victory was well deserved in view of the positive impact of his administration on the lives of the people of the state.”
In a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti ,on Sunday ,said “the Osun electorate deserves even a much bigger congratulations for rewarding Governor Aregbesola’s exemplary and transformational leadership with electoral victory.”
Fayemi in the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said he was confident that Osun State will witness a greater level of development in all spheres of life during Governor Aregbesola’s second term in office.
Governor Fayemi, who flayed what he described as “the security clampdown on the state and unwarranted arrest and detention of APC leaders before and during the period of the election,” said it was “gratifying, however, seeing the people’s power triumph in spite of these ugly incidents.”
He also commended the leadership of APC for increasing its vigilance ahead of the Osun election.
Focus on people-oriented programmes, Kwara speaker tasks Aregbesola
By Biola Azeez - Ilorin
The Speaker of the kwara State House of Assembly, Honourable. Razak Atunwa, has charged Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State to see his re-election as a challenge to consolidate on his purposeful leadership by embarking more on people-oriented programmes and policies within the next four years.
Atunwa said this in Ilorin while rejoicing with the governor on his victory at the just concluded poll in Osun State.
The speaker, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Abdul Rahman Sanni, which was made available to journalists in Ilorin ,at the weekend, described his victory as divine and triumph of hard work and people’s wish over other forces and urged him to continue to justify the confidence reposed in him by the people of Osun State.
He said this is the only way democracy could be made more meaningful to the ordinary people of Osun State in particular and Nigerians as a whole.
Atunwa praised the People of Osun State for their resilient and courage to troop out en mass to exercise their civic duty even in the face of intimidation, arrest and persecution by the Nation’s Security Operatives.
The speaker condemned what he called over militarisation of electoral process and unnecessary intimidation as well as indiscriminate, and arrest of perceived opposition by the security agents.
Wide margin, validation of confidence reposed in him —Oshiomhole
Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has congratulated his counterpart in Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola ,on his re-election victory, saying the wide margin of the victory is a validation of the confidence reposed in the governor by the people to move the state to greater heights.
In a congratulatory statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary. Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said “I have seen a new lease of life for the people of Osun over the past three and a half years due to the radical improvement in the quality of governance you introduced. It is gratifying to note that you have restored a people-driven governance, reminiscent of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige eras, thus, placing you firmly in the pantheon of the greats to have come from that part of the country.
“The wide margin of the votes you recorded in your re-election victory over your closest rival is a clear testimony of your doggedness and the confidence reposed in you by the good people of the state in your ability to move the state forward and position it among the best in the country.
“Above all, your victory has strengthened the Progressive Movement nationally and further enhanced its capacity to positively affect the direction of the nation’s polity.
Saraki woos Nigerians for APC, congratulates Aregbesola
By Biola Azeez - Ilorin
The chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Bukola Saraki, has urged Nigerians to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the battle to have a better nation.
Congratulating Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State on his victory in the Saturday’s governorship poll, Saraki said that, “we can rescue Nigeria, however, like Osun has demonstrated, we have to work hard and work together”.
The leader of APC in Kwara State expressed joy that “in spite of the overwhelming pressure mounted by the unnecessary influx of over 70,000 armed personnel across the state; the illegal arrest and harassment of opposition members and the propaganda from the PDP, the great people of Osun have spoken with their votes. Osun has decided to give Aregbesola another four year mandate.”
“Osun has shown those seasonal politicians, that come out few months before election to claim a mandate from the people that no federal might can defeat the will of a powerful people.
“I know there are many out there that believe it’s time for a change but are held back because they believe “federal might” can’t be defeated or the people wish or voice doesn’t count , fellow Nigerians ,the good people of Osun has shown how that is such a fallacy in today’s Nigeria.
“From every nook and cranny of the State of Osun,people came out en mass to send a clear and loud message: we will not be bullied into submission; we will not cower until we get the change that we rightly deserve; and we will remain united in the firm belief that we can? rescue our nation from the failed governance of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“Despite the clear-cut democratic victory that we have witnessed today, now that the dust has settled, we must get back to building strong precedents for our nation.
“I commend Nigerians especially the youth of Osun state, who followed the electoral process all day long to ensure results were not tampered with at any stage of the electoral process. A job well done.
“The 2015 general elections are only months away, therefore, before the single most important democratic contest of our time, we must bring those that choose to trample on the tenets of our democracy to justice.
“We must begin to investigate the new trend of arresting opposition leaders prior to elections. We must
also begin to honestly question the restrictions placed on many of our fundamental Constitutional freedoms when elections come around.
It is victory for democracy —Oyo lawmaker
By Nurudeen Alimi
THE governorship election in Osun State, which saw governor Rauf Aregbesola, re-elected into office, has been described as a victory for democracy.
The Deputy Chief Whip of Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Olusegun Adeyemo. said this after the announcement of the governorship election result on Sunday ,He said:”It is a victory for democracy against abuse of power and intimidation of people.The people of Osun State were resolute and determined not to succumb to security intimidation, particularly ,military and militants in uniform.”
Adeyemo, who is representing Ibarapa East state constituency further noted:”The victory is to acknowledge the acceptability of our great party, APC ,by the people, especially in the South West.The election in spite of the unconstitutional roles of security agencies,invasion of Osun State by the military remained undaunted stood for justice,rule of law and democracy”.
He, therefore, noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still needs to do more so as to further enhance people’s confidence and strengthen the electoral body.
Bamidele congratulates Aregbesola, commends FG, INEC
By Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti
The Labour Party candidate in the June 21 election in Ekiti State, Opeyemi Bamidele, has described the victory of Mr Rauf Aregbesola, in the Osun governorship election as “well deserved and further entrenchment of democracy in the country.”
Bamidele in a statement in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, by his Media Aide, Ahmed Salami, also commended the Federal Government and its agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for “allowing the popular will of the people of Osun State to prevail in overriding public interest and in the long term interest of our democracy.”
He described Aregbesola as “a thorough-bred and simple politician, who understands the feelings of his people,” saying “his victory did not come as a surprise.”
Bamidele, who is the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, said that the return of the unassuming and maverick governor for a second term by Osun electorate, had confirmed that his first term had actually met the yearnings of the people beyond rhetorics and media hype, which is fast becoming the way of politicians lacking in substance.
The LP chieftain added that Aregbesola’s victory had taught a great lesson that politicians with track record of achievements would automatically win the hearts of their people, not minding the complexity and dynamism of their environment.
Osun election also drives home the point that a political party desirous of winning an election must present a candidate ,who is acceptable to both members of the party as well as the general public, for gone at the days when a political party could boast that “even if they present a goat for election ,the goat would surely win”. Definitely Nigerian electorate are get wiser without minding whose ox is gored.
Ooni congratulates Aregbesola
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his running mate over his victory in the governorship election held on Saturday.
In a congratulatory message forwarded to the deputy governor on Saturday night, Oba Sijuwade, assured the deputy governor, Mrs Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, that despite the outcome of the election, there is no and there will be no fighting in his domain because one of his subjects, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),hails from Ile-Ife. “Your Excellency, congratulations and there is nobody fighting in Ile-Ife,” the Ooni said in his message.
Aregbesola’s victory, triumph of democracy —Ajimobi
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has congratulated his Osun State counterpart, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, on his victory at the last Saturday’s governorship election, describing the outcome of the election as the triumph of democracy and the rule of law.
This was contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo.
Governor Ajimobi said the wild jubilation that trailed the announcement of Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), showed that the result was representative of the will of the people of Osun State.
While describing Aregbesola’s victory as a well-deserved one, the governor attributed it to outstanding performance of his Osun State counterpart in his first term as well as the love of the people of the state for the APC and the ideals which it stood for.
He commended the people of the state for their collective resolve to say `No’ to the reactionary forces, who he said ,were bent on returning Osun State to the path of retrogression and for voting for continuity of good governance which the Aregbesola administration represented.
Governor Ajimobi also commended members of the progressive family across the country for their support for and solidarity with Governor Aregbesola and indeed, the people of Osun State, to ensure that the state was not hijacked by conservative elements.
Lagos PDP congratulates him
THE Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, for his victory at the last Saturday’s governorship poll over the party’s candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore.
The PDP said this on Sunday in a telephone chat with the Nigerian Tribune, through his publicity secretary, Mr. Taofeek Gani.
However, the party quickly observed that the victory which Aregbesola and his supporters were currently celebrating remained a “dirty victory” until he was able to apologise to Nigerians for disparaging the nation which had to put in place measures to ensure his victory at last.
“As a matter of fact, we want to congratulate the winner of the election for the victory he recorded at the poll. However, in the opinion of the party, the victory remains a dirty or ragged victory and we demand that he must not only celebrate the victory, he must apologise to Nigerians for having disparaged the nation at the twilight of the election by leveling all manners of accusation against the president, the INEC and the security apparatus, who had put in place measures to guarantee a free and fair election,” the PDP said.
Kalu felicitates with him
By Shola Adekola - Lagos
Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has felicitated with the winner of the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola,
He noted that Osun State election has given Nigerians more confidence in President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment to credible elections anchored on one man, one vote.
Kalu, who commended the electorate for the large turnout and peaceful conduct, described Aregbesola’s victory as a testimony to his good work and popularity among his people.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Prince ‘Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu stated that in any contest, a winner must emerge. .”I extend my goodwill message to all the contestants in the Osun governorship election for the maturity displayed right from the electioneering to the post-election period. I urge everyone to accept the results in good faith and to support the governor in moving the state forward.”
Involve interest groups, Tambuwal tasks Aregbesola
By Kolawole Daniel - Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, on Sunday, congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, over his re-election for a second term.
The Speaker equally urged the re-elected governor to carry along all interest groups for the peace, unity and stability of the state.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal also congratulated Osun voters for exercising their democratic rights in a largely peaceful manner.
He said with the polls over, the onus is now on the political class in the state to rally round the governor to enable him administer the state for the benefit of its citizens.
“At the risk of sounding repetitive, let me reiterate what I have always said: That there is time for everything. There is time for politicking and time for governance. Now that politicking is over in Osun, I urge all stakeholders to tailor their energy towards delivering quality governance to the populace.”
INEC did a competent job —UPN
The Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) said on Sunday that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), did a competent job in the conduct of Osun governorship election.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Adedeji Salau, said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that the outcome of the poll was a true reflection of the choice of the people.
Salau commended the electorate for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during and after the election.
UPN said the election had demonstrated that with adequate security, INEC was capable of being a fair umpire that could make the votes of the electorate count.
“Our party admonishes politicians to always be fair in their assessment of a pre-election situation to avoid giving inflammable statements based on their perception.
“UPN believes in free education at all levels and free health services for the masses,’’ Salau said.
Osun election successful —INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Sunday that facts available showed that the Osun Governorship election was better than the Ekiti poll, held on June 21.
The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Kayode Idowu, made the statement in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
“From all indications, the election has been successful even from the comments from virtually all the stakeholders - politicians, observers and others.
“Our own figures also prove that it has been successful. On our arrival time by 8:00a.m. on Saturday, 96.25 per cent of the polling units were opened. That is better than that of Ekiti State, which was 95.6 per cent.
“Don’t forget that Osun has 30 local government areas, while Ekiti State has 20 local governments, yet, we still surpassed the performance in Ekiti,” Idowu said.
People’s will is supreme — Zamfara SSG
Zamfara State Secretary to the State Government(SSG), Alh Tijjani Kaura, has said that the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State in the just concluded governorship election has once proved that the people’s will is supreme.
In a statement in Gusau which he personally signed and made available to the Nigerian Tribune, on Sunday, Kaura noted that the lessons derived from the election had indicated that democracy is gaining ground in our land.
While, commending the peaceful conduct of the election, he condemned continued use of soldiers and other security agencies at polling booths, saying that, “You don’t need to do that or create fear in people’s mind.”
However, the SSG said that he was glad that inspite of the heavy security presence, “the people not only waited patiently to vote who they wanted, but they ignored all such of intrigues and marched on.”
‘The statement advised both the winners and losers to bury their differences and think on how to build and transform Osun immediately.
Osun election successful —INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Sunday that facts available showed that the Osun Governorship election was better than the Ekiti poll, held on June 21.
The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Kayode Idowu, made the statement in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
“From all indications, the election has been successful even from the comments from virtually all the stakeholders - politicians, observers and others.
“Our own figures also prove that it has been successful. On our arrival time by 8:00a.m. on Saturday, 96.25 per cent of the polling units were opened. That is better than that of Ekiti State, which was 95.6 per cent.
“Don’t forget that Osun has 30 local government areas, while Ekiti State has 20 local governments, yet, we still surpassed the performance in Ekiti,” Idowu said.
It’s a well-deserved victory —Fashola
Following the formal declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the early hours of Sunday, of the incumbent Governor of Osun State, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election,the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has congratulated him for a well-deserved victory.
In a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, Governor Fashola congratulated Aregbesola, the people and government of Osun State for a well-fought and won election in spite of intimidation and harassment by agencies of the ruling opposition party, who sought to militarise the state during the event.
The governor said the victory of Aregbesola on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Osun State, would remain a strong indicator of the victory of truth over falsehood, pointing out that no matter the amount of pressure or intimidation to suppress them, the ultimate power rests on the people in a democracy.
“The ordinary people of Osun State have spoken the truth about their governor and the people-oriented policies of the APC. It could be possible to deny what is being said but certainly, it is not possible to deny what the eyes could see. The Osun State, like every other states under the leadership of APC, remains a proof of our resolve to lead the people of Nigeria to a better rewarding future,” he said.
Victory, reward for good governance —Kwara gov
By Biola Azeez - Ilorin
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, has described the re-election of Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as an affirmation of the supremacy of the wish of the people and reward for good governance and purposeful leadership.
Governor Ahmed said this in a congratulatory message to Governor Aregbesola, adding that the Osun State governor had in almost four years, laid a solid foundation for socio-economic and infrastructural development of the State of the Living Spring.
“The people of Osun State, have through the renewal of Governor Aregbesola’s mandate for a second term, affirmed unequivocally that peoples’ will is supreme as it glides over the machinations of those desirous of drawing back the clock of progress”, Ahmed said.
The Kwara State governor added that the re-election of Governor Aregbesola also marked a vote for the ideals, philosophy and programmes of the All Progressives Congress(APC)
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