Winner of Saturday’s by-election in Kwara, Mr Tunji Olawuyi, has described his victory as one for residents of the state.

Olawuyi won Saturday’s Ekiti/Isin/Oke-Ero and Irepodun federal constituency bye-election in Kwara State.

Olawuyi said the success was a sign of more victories to come for All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019 general elections in Kwara.

He said this while speaking on Sunday at Omu-Aran, Kwara State, in reaction to outcome of the poll.

According to the electoral commission, INEC, Olawuyi polled 21,236 to emerge winner, while his closest rival, Mr Saheed Alatise of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scored 18,095.

Alatise was backed by Senate President Bukola Saraki, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and other PDP leaders in the state.

“This is a happy moment for me because we have been doing this for a long time,” Olawuyi said.

“When your time has come, no one can stop you but at the same time, I give glory to God, because it is the best time Allah has created for me.

“My party believed in me to put me forward for the assignment and I thank God I have delivered,” he said.

Olawuyi, who described APC as the best in Africa, said he was never scared of the opposition because he is a grassroots politician loved by his people.

He said because of the fact that his people love him and follow him with passion, he will always defeat his opponents in a free and fair election.

Olawuyi said the state government’s statement that the election was between the PDP and the security agencies was laughable because it was what they were used to.

He said he is now sure of an APC victory in the state in 2019 general elections because of the spirit the electorate have demonstrated.

NAN