Socio-political and religious groups in Kwara State have hailed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Senator Simeon Ajibola and his running mate, Alhaji Yinka Aluko, for their spirit of sportsmanship.

They lost the governorship bid and promptly conceded to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

In separate statements, leaders of three socio-political organisations - Alhaji Haroun Adams, of Forum For Good Governance; Mr. Olusegun Adeola, of Vanguard for Continuity and Mr. John Folorunsho, of Christian Professionals for Good Governance-– told reporters that the unity and cooperation of all stakeholders were needed form the progress of the state.

Ajibola polled 115,220 votes and Ahmed 295,832 votes.

The groups, which also urged PDP chieftains and supporters to take a cue from the show of statesmanship and brotherliness exhibited by the political leaders, said they should put the elections behind them.

The organisations, which hailed the people of Kwara State for their peaceful and orderly conduct throughout the election period, also appealed to them to join hands with the APC administration.

The groups stressed that it is under peaceful and harmonious atmosphere the state could have enjoy development.

They also wished Ahmed a more successful second term for the people of the state.

The organisations urged the governor to prepare to tackle the challenges in education, agriculture, health and infrastructure and bring new lease of life to the residents, irrespective of their political differences.

They also urged him to make people's welfare, security, job creation for unemployed youths and quality education for students the priorities of his administration.

They said: "We congratulate Governor Ahmed on his re-election victory at the just-concluded governorship election.

"We salute the foresight and doggedness of the governor and we must emphasise that unfolding events in Nigeria and in Kwara State have shown that his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) was the best decision he could have taken, given the circumstances of those times.

"It was not an easy ride or a walkover to victory, as some people would say; this victory is neither by fluke but the result of his hard work, diligence and performance in office."