Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state Friday said he would “willingly accept defeat” at today’s governorship election “if the will of the people is allowed to take pre-eminence.”
Ortom stated this in Makurdi while briefing newsmen on the preparedness of the state to participate in the polls.
The governor said he was optimistic that he would win the elections, but if he genuinely lost he would accept the outcome.
“If I lose by the popular decision of the people, I will succumb to their wishes. I have always advised my people against violence before, during and after elections. No need for violence because development cannot take place in a chaotic atmosphere. Let the will of the people be allowed to prevail. They should be allowed to vote their leaders,” he said.
He encouraged Benue residents to vote according to their consciences, adding that they should vote only credible candidates.
He expressed confidence in the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the security and Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
He said he was a credible man and would do everything possible to ensure transparent, free and fair elections.
Ortom also said the security agencies had assured him that they would work hard to make the state secured to prevent breakdown of law and order.
He encouraged the people to go about their genuine businesses without any fear.
“I commend INEC for making all the necessary arrangements in order to have credible elections in Benue. I also commend security agencies for dealing with criminal elements in the state. The Operation Whirl Stroke had helped greatly in reducing attacks by herdsmen attack on his innocent citizen and also assisted in reducing crime in Benue. That is why today, we are talking about conducting election without problems in the state.”
