Governor Ayo Fayose has claimed that the people of Ekiti State are in pain over the victory achieved by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the July 14 governorship election.
Fayose alleged that the APC stole the mandate belonging to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) claiming that the opposition cannot celebrate the victory.
He assured that the Election Petition Tribunal will give the mandate to the PDP candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, urging party faithful to remain calm as it launches a legal battle to claim the governorship seat from the APC.
APC candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was declared the governor-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Fayose who spoke on Sunday while hosting PDP aspirants for House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate at the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti urged party supporters to keep hope alive until the mandate is won in the court.
He also assured aspirants for state and federal legislative seats of level playing field ahead of primaries saying their destinies are tied to his own
Fayose said: “We will reclaim our mandate. Let me assure you that my destiny is tied to yours and I will continue to be committed to this cause until you retrieve you mandate.
“The journey of life is beyond today, we have seen today but no one has seen tomorrow. I believe God will return this mandate.
“I appreciate your courage. Life is full of challenges and gives opportunities. Certain things happen for you to know who your real friends are. It gives you the stamina to carry on also.
“Ekiti people and even your distractors will celebrate you. For me I have done in my best for the election, we won and I have no doubt that we will win the battle again.
“Keep hope alive for beyond you, Ekiti people out there are in pain. Go to town you will see that the people who stole the mandate cannot celebrate it as the common man there are more pained.
“Keep body soul and spirit alive because I am sure we will be victorious. It doesn’t matter how close anybody is with me, if he comes to tell you that Fayose has picked me, tell him that he is a fool. I expect everyone to sell himself to the people.
“They who had witnessed my second tenure in spite of all odds and doubts, will also live to witness Olusola’s return as governor of Ekiti. Contest this poll in your own honour. There is a level playing for everybody to contest. I assure you.”