Ekiti: Fayemi meets Fayose, pledges not to challenge election result

Mr. Fayemi promised not to be distracted by the defeat, saying he would continue to work for the people of the state until October 15.

Kayode Fayemi, the out-going governor of Ekiti State, on Monday, said he would not challenge the result of the June 21 governorship election in the state.

Mr. Fayemi, who made the disclosure when he received the governor-elect, Ayo Fayose, in his office in Ado Ekiti, said “I will not challenge the result of the election because I am not desperate to remain in office.

“Election must not be seen as a do or die affair,” he said.

Mr. Fayemi said Mr. Fayose’s victory has assisted in “strengthen and deepening’’ democracy, especially in Ekiti State and the country at large.

He added that “election by its nature generate tension and hot exchange of words; but to me, once the whole

exercise is over, all those involved should take such

 with calmness and stop all acrimonious.

“It is my belief that we must all start imbibing attitude that will make us avoid activities that can threaten our peaceful co-existence. We must also avoid the bad loser syndrome.

“I believe we need to build this democracy to a mature end, rather than pull it down.”

Mr. Fayemi promised not to be distracted by the defeat, saying he would continue to work for the people of the state until October 15 when he would hand over to Mr. Fayose.

Earlier, Mr. Fayose had commended the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by Fayemi, describing his acceptance of defeat without question as “quite un-African.”

Mr. Fayose called on Nigerian politicians to emulate the good virtues of Mr. Fayemi.

The duo later went into closed door meeting.

Mr. Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party defeated Mr. Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress by about 100,000 votes in Saturday’s election.

(NAN)