Recall that Makinde polled 563,756 votes to defeat his closest rival, Folarin of APC, who scored 256,685 votes, while Adebayo Adelabu of Accord Party polled 38,357 votes.
Teslim Folarin, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, has accepted defeat by congratulating the state governor and Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Seyi Makinde, on his re-election in the just-concluded Saturday election.
Recall that Makinde polled 563,756 votes to defeat his closest rival, Folarin of APC, who scored 256,685 votes, while Adebayo Adelabu of Accord Party polled 38,357 votes.
Adebayo Bamire, the state collation officer and Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-lfe, announced the result on Sunday at the state Independent National Electoral Commission's collation centre, saying, "Makinde Oluseyi, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is declared winner of the poll."
In a statement personally signed on Monday which was shared via his social media platforms, Folarin said, “In line with the official pronouncement of the Independent National Electoral Commission, I hereby congratulate Seyi Makinde.
The statement reads: "I Congratulate Governor Seyi Makinde and Appreciate Oyo State Voters, APC Members & Other Supportive Stakeholders.
"All Glories and Adorations are due to Almighty God for His Grace and for preserving our lives throughout the 2023 electioneering process.
"I would like to express my sincere appreciations to Oyo State electorates for their support for all APC candidates on March 18th elections. May God Bless you all.
"To whom much is given, much is expected. It is on this note that I am offering my solemn gratitude to leaders and members of our great party - APC; the coalition parties, candidates of other political parties that worked for us, volunteers, the press as well as individuals that contributed to the Itesiwaju Ipinle Oyo 2023 project.
"Furthermore, I give kudos to members of 2023 Oyo State APC Presidential and Governorship Campaign Council for the best-ever issue-based campaigns. Thank you for your absolute loyalty, dedication and commitment to the struggle.
"I also laud the overwhelming support from my friends and political allies across the country. Thanks for being there always. To our teeming party members and support groups, I appeal to you to remain calm as we study the results of the just concluded Governorship and House of Assembly elections held on Saturday, March 18th 2023.
"It is God that Gives Power and Takes Power! May Oyo State and our people continue to prosper."
https://twitter.com/teslimkfol