Dr Kayode Fayemi, out-going governor of Ekiti State, yesterday reiterated that he would not challenge the result of last Saturday’s governorship election in the state because he is “not desperate to remain in office,” even as commendations poured in on him from far and wide yesterday.

Fayemi made the disclosure when he received the governor-elect, Mr Ayo Fayose, in his office in Ado Ekiti, saying, “I will not challenge the result of the election because I am not desperate to remain in office. Elections must not be seen as a do-or-die affair.”

He said Fayose’s victory had assisted in “strengthening and deepening” democracy, especially in Ekiti State and the country at large.

He added that “election by its nature generate tension and hot exchange of words, but to me, once the whole exercise is over, all those involved should take such with calmness and stop all acrimony.

“It is my belief that we must all start imbibing attitudes that will make us avoid activities that can threaten our peaceful co-existence. We must also avoid the bad loser syndrome.

“I believe we need to build this democracy to a mature end, rather than pull it down.”

Fayemi promised not to be distracted by the defeat, saying he would continue to work for the people of the state until Oct. 15 when he would hand over to Fayose.