The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), on Monday, March 11, 2019 declared Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and incumbent governor of Delta State, winner of the March 9, 2019 gubernatorial election in the State, defeating his closest rival, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with a huge gap.
According to the results released by INEC, Governor Okowa had a total of 926,048 to win Chief Ogboru
who had 220,641, with a wide margin of 705,407.
Governor Okowa, on Wednesday, March 13 in Asaba, in a state broadcast, dedicated his re-election to the people of Delta State, saying that they are the true winners of the election.
His words, “first, I enjoin all the people of Delta to thank God for what was largely a peaceful and hitch-free election, except for one or two skirmishes that were quickly brought under control.
“At about 12 noon on Monday, March 11, 2019, I was officially declared winner of the March 9, 2019 Governorship election in Delta by the Independent National Electoral Commission. With over 81 per cent of the total valid votes cast and having won in 23 out of the 25 local government areas in the state.
“My renewed four-year mandate is as resounding as it is unprecedented in our beloved state. But most importantly, it is very humbling and comes with an even weightier responsibility. I dedicate this victory to you, the good people of Delta State. You are the true winners in this election. You are the true winners for standing firm and unyielding in your support of my administration. You are the true winners for refusing to succumb to threats, intimidation and for not allowing yourselves to be blackmailed or manipulated by lies, deceit and propaganda.”
Furthermore, Governor Okowa commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the law enforcement agencies for standing firm and resolute to deliver a free, fair and credible election, saying that the actions of the umpire were pathways to sustainable democracy in Nigeria.
He assured Deltans that the next four years would witness greater development, transformation, and unity in the state.
“This mandate you have given to me is very comforting, reassuring and liberating. It is a massive vote of confidence in the work we have done together in the last three years and nine months. There is no gainsaying the fact that under my leadership, Delta State has witnessed huge developmental strides in road and physical infrastructure, health, education, rural-urban integration, human capital development and sports. DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND GUNS DOWN SIX KIDNAPPERS AT AGBOR
“This renewed mandate is also a vote for unity. I won in all three senatorial districts with overwhelming majority, a clear indication that Deltans have recognised the oneness in us as well as our shared values and aspirations,” he said
He went on to urge everyone to forget their differences and political affinity and cooperate to build a better, stronger and more peaceful Delta.
“I solicit your cooperation to make this a reality. Elections come and go but our state remains, and belongs to all of us. By divine guidance, we are building a state where equity, justice, peace and progress reign supreme; a state that we can all be proud of. It is, therefore, time we reconciled, forget the things of the past and contribute our individual quotas to the development of the state, irrespective of our political inclinations,” he said.