L-R; National Commissioner, INEC, (Kwara, Niger, Kaduna and FCT.), Dr. Chris Iyimoga, Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed and Kwara State Residence Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Emanuel Omucheyo during the Presentation of Certificate of Return to Governor Ahmed at INEC office, Ilorin…Monday.
Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has said that contrary to fears in some quarters the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in this year’s general elections cannot transform Nigeria into a one-party state.
Dr Ahmed, who is also the Governor-elect of the state said this in an address after receiving the Certificate of Return at the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Ilorin, the State capital.
“Our party, APC’s sweeping victory across the country has led to speculation that our country is headed to a one party State. For me, that fear is unfounded because real power has actually been restored to the people, rather than the party systems, as the determinants of our democracy.
And the message is clear: Elected officials must meet the aspirations of our people for good governance or the people will kick them out”, he said.
The governor who also spoke on behalf of the National Assembly members who received their Certificates of Return from the National Electoral Commissioner in charge of Kwara, Niger, Kaduna and Federal Capital Territory, Dr Chris Iyimoga, stressed that the outstanding success of the APC at the polls in Kwara State was a call for more service delivery to the people.
According to the Governor, “We promise to work even harder to make your life better. For us, the significance is immense. Our people have not only spoken in unison for change, they also cast a resounding vote for a Kwara State that is progressive and in the mainstream of Nigeria politics”.
He commended the people of the State for electing APC candidates for all elective positions from the state assembly to National Assembly and governorship, recalling that it was the first time that a political party will achieve that feat in the State.
The governor also commended INEC for presiding over what he described as “perhaps the most credible and conclusive election in our national life”.
According to him, the action of the electoral body has restored the credibility of the country’s electoral process and strengthened national democracy.
The INEC National Commissioner, Dr Iyinoga in his speech advised the governor and other members of the national assembly to see their victory as call to serve Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
