The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, November 20, presented certificates of return to Ondo state governor-elect, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his Deputy at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Aiyedatiwa won the November 16 governorship election in Ondo state, defeating 17 other candidates.

The certificate was presented to the governor and his deputy by the National Commissioner supervising Ondo state, Prof Kunle Ajayi.

Speaking after receiving the certificate, the governor elect said the presentation marked the end of a political journey that started few months ago with the release of the electoral timetable by INEC and the conduct of party primaries.

He thanked the people if the state for the confidence reposed in him and for coming out to exercise their franchise and renewing his mandate.

He said: “The mandate you have just renewed via your huge votes across the 18 LGAs where we won convincingly has placed a burden on me to serve you better than I did before now.”

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu, whom he said provided a level playing field for all parties.

While he thanked other stakeholders for their commitment to the electoral process, Aiyedatiwa praised INEC for “conducting a free, fair, transparent, credible, and inclusive election.”

National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje led some members of the party’s National Working Committee to the event which also had in attendance, Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun and members of the National Assembly from Ondo state.