I chose Not To Challenge Ondo Poll In The Spirit Of Sportsmanship, Says Jegede
Eyitayo Jegede, the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party in the November 26, 2016 governorship election in Ondo State has given reasons why he decided not to challenge the result of the poll.
Mr. Jegede said he chose to accept the result of the governorship election in the spirit of sportsmanship despite glaring conspiracy against his mandate.
He spoke on Sunday in an electronic statement obtained in Akure, to facilitate with Christians on the day to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
He explained that though the outcome of the November governorship election was unexpected but had to congratulate the winner of the poll- Rotimi Akeredolu.
Mr. Akeredolu, now Governor elect of Ondo state (APC) scored 244, 842 votes to defeat Mr. Jegede (PDP) who polled 150, 380 votes to emerged second in the horse race.
It would be recalled that Twenty eight contenders participated in the November 26, 2016 governorship poll.
This would be the first time the governorship candidate of the PDP and second runner up would officially speak out since the conclusion of the election.
Mr. Jegede said he contested the governorship election to offer services to the people of the state but was not deterred by his lost in the poll.
“We were in the contest, neither for self-seeking nor pettiness, but for service and value.
“Despite the noted and obvious infractions against our mandate, it is now time to move on. Tomorrow is another day” Jegede said in the statement.
He specifically expressed appreciation to the outgoing embattled Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the interest in the governance of the state.
“I appeal to PDP faithful to remain steadfast as we endure the trying times that might lie ahead.
“I am confident that we will in due course bounce back to reckoning with God and the people on our side”
He asked worshipers in Christ state to see Christmas celebration beyond the annual commemoration and reflect on its lessons of love, sacrifice, sharing and redemption.
Jegede expressed optimism that the coming year (2017) would herald good tidings for the people and prayed God to bless the works of their hands.
“We must learn from Christmas the imperative of love, even for adherents of other religions as this is how to promote peace and development” he added.
