ACN National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande
By Onyebuchi Ezigbo
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Sunday said it is studying the result of the governorship election and would make its stand known in due course.
The party commended the people of the state for their peaceful conduct during the polls.
ACN's position came on the heels of the congratulatory message sent to the victorious Labour Party candidate, Governor Olusegun Mimiko by the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
In what appeared like a cautious response to its defeat at last Saturday's Ondo State Governorship election, the party's National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, said the party will study carefully the general details of the results with a view to taking a final position.
Akande said in a statement made available to THISDAY, said though the party has received the final result of the gubernatorial contest, it would proceed with post mortem analysis of the lapses in all the institutions involved in the conduct of the Ondo election.
"I have just been told the final results of the Ondo State governorship election. As a party of democrats, we in the Action Congress of Nigeria have always known that the choice of who governs has always been that of the people in situations where the electoral process is transparent and credible.
"Therefore, all politicians worthy of their salt must always expect victory or defeat. We recognize that it is the sovereign right of the people to decide what kind of government they want. This is the challenge of democracy. Our party believes that there was and still is need for change in Ondo State. Thus, our party will study carefully the general details of the results with a view to taking a final position," he said.
While expressing the confidence of the party in its candidate, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Chairman said the election has reinforced the belief in his ability to lead and stimulate life back into the ACN in Ondo State.
He said the party will continue to express gratitude to the leadership and general members of the party and to the electorate of Ondo State for their outstanding performance.
"We are glad that they performed that brilliantly in spite of many challenges, glaring lapses in the system and institutional inefficiency in the conduct of Ondo State governorship election. I must congratulate our teeming members in Ondo state for their hard work at resuscitating the party and putting it in a position of reckoning in such a short time," he said.
On its part, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) congratulated Dr, Olusegun Mimiko of Labour Party on his resounding victory at the governorship election.
In a statement by its National Chairman, Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, the party described the outcome of the election as a triumph of truth over deceit and falsehood.
Akinfenwa said it also a recognition and celebration of quality over mediocrity.
"Dr. Mimiko's victory shows Ondo State as a free and respectable state unlike the states tied to the apron string of one man choosing for a people what he wants for them and not what they deserve or want for themselves. Other States in bondage in the South West will learn from Ondo people and prepare to set themselves free at the appropriate time.
"AD Congratulates Mimiko and the proud and free people of Ondo State. AD also commends the Independent National Electoral Commission for conducting what is considered as a free, fair and acceptable election. Mimiko's victory is victory for democracy and good governance," he said.