Óyene Ujó Emani
0
0
0
0
Óyene Ujó Emani
Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq.
I deliberately chose the title because the major contenders in this election are from the old Ilaje/Ese-Odo LGA, now a Federal Constituency. Our background, cultural heritage, and lifestyle are generally interwoven. We speak virtually the same language. Intermarriage between Ilaje and Apoi is more prevalent, even now. So, when our people say “Óyene Ujó Emani,” it means you leave the stage of dancing when the ovation is loudest.
I have read the acceptance speeches and congratulatory messages from Prince Myson Aderemi Nejo, the Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
On November 22, 2024, about 13 political parties and their respective candidates who participated in the November 16th Governorship Election in Ondo met and stated that they have accepted the outcome of the election. This is the expected behaviour of every true democratdemocrat in an election that’s transparent, peaceful and fair.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the election.
Undoubtedly, the more prepared party and candidate prevailed.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Alfred Agboola Ajayi, have yet to issue an acceptance speech or congratulatory message. In fact, news reports suggest that the PDP candidate may proceed to the tribunal. This, however, is unexpected.
During the election campaign, one of the outdated strategies employed by the PDP was giving false hope to the public. Now, the results have revealed the truth.
Clearly, the better-prepared party prevailed by campaigning more vigorously and presenting a superior manifesto. The APC not only met the constitutional requirement of a simple majority and the 25% spread across 12 local government areas, but it also secured a landslide victory, winning in all 18 local government areas. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC garnered a total of 366,781 votes—three times the 117,845 votes obtained by the PDP.
To put it more succinctly, the APC won the majority of votes in all 18 LGAs and secured 25% and above in each of them, while the PDP only managed to score 25% or more in 9 LGAs.
This is the outcome of the vigorous campaign and hard work of the APC. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the APC worked tirelessly, campaigning in cities, towns, and remote villages. A day was set aside during the campaign for a critical stakeholders’ meeting presided over by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, where all aggrieved members, particularly those who contested in the party’s primary elections, were amicably reconciled.
Additionally, the APC and Governor Aiyedatiwa secured the endorsement of labour unions, associations, artisans, traders, as well as traditional and religious leaders. More importantly, there was divine grace and the hand of God in this victory.
In a state broadcast thanking the people, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the PDP candidate as a worthy opponent and extended an olive branch to all opposition parties.
“I must not fail to thank our worthy opponents, without whom our democracy would not thrive. I thank particularly the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), His Excellency Alfred Agboola Ajayi, who made the contest interesting and memorable. I call on you and other well-meaning members of the opposition to join us in forging a better Ondo State for all generations. There is no victor or vanquished, no winner or loser. There is only one Ondo State to serve and develop,” he said. This is the way to go!
I have followed the court process concerning the candidacy of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, MNI. In law, we say “de minimis non curat lex,” which means that the law does not concern itself with trifles.
Honestly, in the spirit of brotherhood and sportsmanship, the PDP should simply take a shrug and abandon any thoughts of approaching the tribunal to challenge the election’s outcome. Such a move would be unnecessary and counterproductive.
It is imperative that the PDP refrains from challenging the outcome of this election at the tribunal—it would be a futile endeavour. There must be a limit to toying with the emotions of the electorate. After all, we have just one state to serve.
Apart from politics and the struggle for power, we must not forget where we come from. Because in Ondo South, we normally say “Óyene Ujó Emani.”
Why proceed further ?
Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq.
SSA to the Governor of Ondo State on Strategic Communication
November 23, 2024
About The Author
