— APC 404,684
PDP 292,744
By Agboola Bayo
Ibadan
Osun state governor-elect and the incumbent governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola, has said that his victory at Saturday’s governorship election was a reward for hard work and commitment to the welfare of the people.
The governor, therefore, promised that he will not rest on his oars but work harder with all the stakeholders to enjoy more trust.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate polled a total of 404,684 votes to defeat his close rival, Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 292, 744.
Aregbesola, in his acceptance speech yesterday, thanked the people for their steadfastness and their resolute determination to assert and defend their rights which he said has earned him the victory.
He said: “Let me assure the good people of Osun state that I appreciate that this victory is a reward for our hard work and commitment to the welfare of our people. I promise that we shall not rest on our oars but shall be spurred to work even harder with all well meaning people of the state of Osun and the generality of Nigerians to continue to enjoy your trust and support.
“You can be assured that we will leave no stone unturned in our continued effort to transform Osun into a land of progress, prosperity and peace for all with renewed fervour.
“I realise that this victory and the challenges we went through is a call to greater service and sustained commitment to our people.
“I pledge a rededication of myself to the service of our people and the strengthening of democratic values in Osun and Nigeria generally. Our country remains in political bondage and we must set her free.”
The governor alleged that “the PDP obviously did all it could in a most desperate manner to steal the people’s mandate,” adding that security agencies were unprofessionally utilised in Osun state to harass, intimidate and oppress the people “whose taxes are used to pay their salaries and provide their arms.”
He said: “On behalf of my party, we are delighted to claim victory for our hard work, focus and dedication in this election. I thank the Almighty God for our triumph at the polls, against all odds.”