INEC Presents Certificate of Return to Aiyedatiwa, Deputy

INEC Presents Certificate of Return to Aiyedatiwa, Deputy

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

In a significant ceremony at the National Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, Professor Kunle Ajayi, the INEC National Commissioner overseeing Ondo, Ogun, and Osun States, officially presented the Certificate of Return to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami. 

This event marks the formal conclusion of the governorship election process in Ondo State, reinforcing the outcome of the election held on November 16, 2024.

In his address, Professor Ajayi noted the importance of the occasion as he delivered the certificates to the newly re-elected officials. “It’s with a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you for the issuance of certificates to the governor-elect and deputy governor-elect of Ondo State. This ceremony marks the culmination of a democratic process that reflects the will and aspirations of the good people of Ondo State,” he stated.

Ajayi commended the electorate for their commendable conduct during the election, citing the absence of significant electoral violence as a triumph for democracy. 

“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,” he remarked, highlighting the commission’s dedication to improving the electoral process through technology, meticulous planning, and execution.

“We could not have achieved this without the support of various stakeholders, including the political parties and their candidates, as well as the security agencies whose professional conduct ensured that voters could exercise their rights in a peaceful and secure environment,” Ajayi continued.

He emphasized that the issuance of the certificates is a constitutional duty enshrined in Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act. “This symbolises the official acknowledgment of the mandate conferred on the good people of Ondo State,” he noted, urging the newly elected officials to uphold democratic ideals and strive for good governance.

In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude to the people of Ondo State for their support and trust. “Today marks the conclusion of the electoral process that started some months back with our party’s primary on April 20, 2024.  

“I cannot but continue to express my gratitude to the people of Ondo State who came out en masse on November 16 to cast their votes for our party, the APC, and for myself and my deputy in that election,” he stated.

Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising him for providing a level playing field during the electoral contest. He also commended INEC for conducting what he described as a fair and credible election, emphasizing the professionalism of the security agencies throughout the process. 

“I commend the good people of Ondo State for the mandate you have just renewed via your votes across the 18 local governments,” Aiyedatiwa concluded. “You have placed a burden on me to serve you more than I have done in the past ten months.”