Hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Godwin Obaseki, candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Edo state Governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has finally congratulated the victor.
The congratulatory message was issued by chairman of the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee, Mai Mala Buni, in a statement titled, “Edo State Governorship Election: Victory for Democracy,” Channels TV reports.
Recall that Governor Obaseki polled 307,955 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu who scored 223,619.
Buni said in the statement said: “Edo State Governorship election is over, the winner has been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the person of the Mr. Godwin Obaseki, candidate of the People Democratic Party.
“We hereby congratulate the winner of the election, the people of Edo State and all Nigerians. The peaceful conduct of the election and its outcome represent victory for Nigeria’s democracy
“As a party, we join our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, to affirm our ‘commitment to free and fair elections’ in order to strengthen ‘the foundation for our political and moral authority.
“We commend INEC, our security agencies and all political parties that contested the election for the successful conduct of the election.
“As a governing party, we will take every step necessary to support the Federal Government to consolidate all the gains achieved.“
Meanwhile, Obaseki said his victory has caged the lions and tigers permanently from the Edo politics.
Obaseki, who made the statement while speaking at the Museum ground, King’s square in Benin City after a victory roadshow across various streets in the metropolis on Monday, September 21, hailed the people of the state for ensuring his victory at the election in the state.
The governor assured that his government would continue to pursue programmes, policies and reforms to better the lives of the Edo people.
Obaseki said: “The message of Saturday’s governorship election for this government to go and work for Edo people. It is clear and Edo people have spoken in clear words that we should work for them and transform the state.
The chairman of the Edo State chapter of the APC, Anselm Ojezua, explained why the party’s loss in the just concluded governorship election in Edo state could be partly blamed on Adams Oshiomhole and the national organ of the party.
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