The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has declared Hon. Ganiyu Sanni Okanlawon winner of the 2023 Kosofe 1 state constituency election having polled 11,649 valid votes to defeat his closest rival Osikuminu Akinwande Ayokunle who polled 11,563 votes.
Professor Ismaila Adeleke the returning officer who made the official declaration Sunday morning at the Anglican Primary School in Ogudu area of Kosofe 1 constituency, stated that Okanlawon having polled the largest number of votes cast is returned elected.
“I Professor Ismaila Adeleke the returning officer of the the 2023 Kosofe 1 state constituency election hereby certify that Sanni Ganiyu Babatunde of APC having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.
Okanlawon emerged victorious having garnered the highest number of valid votes cast out of the total vote cast which sums up to 32,580 votes, while 612 votes were voided.
Speaking with newsmen after been declared winner Hon. Okanlawon full of praise to God described the contest as a bumpy and rough.
“We went through a lot of tribulations but I return all thanks and glory to almighty God.
“It is very unfortunate that it has to go this route, people flew ethnic kites that is not supposed to be the measure, because we do not consider merits,hardwork and performance any longer.
“That is supposed to be the yardstick of measuring who is to be elected into position. You talk about merits,hardwork, performance,diligence,passion for growth and development.
“With this new trend we are no longer considering all of those virtues,we are only considering ethnic sentiments, it is unfortunate.
“I think sometimes, someday we will rise up to the occasion in this country and allow competence ,character, experience, diligence and hardwork to determine who is to be elected into political offices.
Asked about the next line action after being declared as it affects his close contenders,Okanlawon stated his poise to accomodate all of them in his thirst for the delivery of the dividend of democracy.
“My hands of Fellowship are wide opened to accommodate everybody, those who stood by me ,those who went against me we are no foes or enemies we want everybody to come on board and have rethink so that we can continue to grow our party.
“ The essence of governance is value addition to man and land,” Said Okanlawon .
Okanlawon beats his closest rival with 86 vote margin in a keenly contested election, with ten political parties fielding candidates for a single seat at the state Assembly.
