President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, on his victory in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election.
Senator Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, having defeated his closest rival Asue Igbhodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other contenders for the position.
In a statement on Sunday, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy,
Tinubu commended the APC national leaders, Edo State leaders, and party governors for working hard to achieve victory. He says the victory testified to the people’s support for the ruling party, its progressive ideals, its economic reengineering program, and its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.
He urges Senator Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a challenging call to service. He encourages him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals and uniting the people of Edo State to ensure its development.
Tinubu also applauded other candidates who participated in the election for their contributions to advancing Nigeria’s democracy, “saying peaceful political contests, such as the one on Saturday, portray Nigeria as a stable democracy.”
“I commend the INEC and our security agencies for working round the clock to conduct a successful, peaceful, and largely hitch-free exercise,” he said.
“INEC has once again demonstrated that it is committed to organising a free and fair election in our country,” Tinubu added.
The President urges all those aggrieved by the outcome of the election to seek redress through the legal channels.
In addition, the president commends the people of Edo State for their orderly and peaceful conduct during the election, underscoring the maturing of Nigeria’s democracy after 25 years. u
