NAN – The PDP on Sunday attributed its victory at the just-concluded Ekiti State governorship election to its strict adherence to the principles of internal democracy.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Olisa Metuh, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, in Abuja.
The statement, which congratulated the Governor-elect of the state, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, described his victory at the election as well deserved.
The statement further attributed PDP`s victory to the transparent conduct of its governorship primary which produced a popular candidate that was the choice of party members.
According to it, the victory is also a clear confirmation of PDP`s position that the APC is not really on ground and has no genuine followership even in states it controls.
It thanked the people of Ekiti State for their support and urged the governor-elect to ensure an all-inclusive administration that would revamp and reposition the state.
This, it said, should be done in line with the manifesto and ideology of the PDP.
The statement urged the APC to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship by accepting a clear defeat and congratulate the PDP and the governor-elect.
According to the statement, the handwriting has since been on the wall as evident in the massive support Mr. Fayose has been receiving since emerging as PDP candidate.
“We demand of the APC, the sportsmanship required of democrats in an electoral contest by congratulating the victorious candidate.
“Its like as we did in Edo State where it won, and in Ondo and Anambra states where Labour and APGA won respectively, instead of taking to incitement and other bad loser syndrome,” the statement said.
It further congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan on his principled stand on the legacy of credible elections, adding that his commitment remained the greatest motivation to the new story of credible polls in Nigeria.
“He has effectively put behind us, the story of Nigeria as an electoral pariah in the international community,’’ the statement said.
It described the Ekiti governorship poll as credible, free and fair, adding that it was an unequivocal statement on the preference of the PDP by the entire people of the state and Nigerians.
“We are particularly elated that the will of the people of Ekiti State prevailed.
“We sincerely congratulate them for realising their yearning for a truly democratically elected administration in their dear state.’’ the statement said.
It added that the outcome of the election confirmed the popularity and acceptability of the PDP and its candidate.
This, it said, brought to the front burner, the genuineness of the crowd that thronged the PDP rallies across the country, especially in Ekiti State.
The statement commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their contributions to the successful conduct of the election.
Fayose got 200,390 votes to emerge winner of the election, while the incumbent, Gov. Kayode Fayemi, got 120,433 votes.
The election was contested by 18 candidates from different political parties.
