TheCable

Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives, believes the victory of Rotimi Akeredolu at the Ondo governorship poll is proof that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is still popular among Nigerians.

The APC went into the election unsure of victory, having seen its stock plummet in recent times, primarily because of the ailing economy.

However, Akeredolu emerged winner, fending off the challenge of Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

“The election of Barrister Akeredolu and the APC in Ondo state is a clear indication of the popularity of our political party,” Dogara said in a statement issued by Turaki Hassan, his special adviser on media and public affairs.

“The victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election is proof that the party is still loved by Nigerians.

“I would like to congratulate my learned colleague on his victory at the poll, and also commend our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for a thorough and successful campaign.”

He urged all stakeholders to come together and ensure that the incoming APC government in Ondo delivers on the mandate given by the people inline with the party’s manifesto.

“As a party, we must take our victory in Ondo seriously since the people have placed enormous trust in us,” he said.

“We must, therefore, deliver on policies that will improve their standard of living.”

Dogara also praised the people of Ondo state for “keeping the election process peaceful and coming out to perform their civic duty”.

He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for “ensuring a hitch-free exercise”.