President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, on his victory in the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Okpebholo the winner, having triumphed over the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and the Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata.
In a statement issued by the State House on Sunday, President Tinubu praised the leadership of the APC at both national and state levels, attributing the party’s success in Edo to their dedication and strategic efforts.
He emphasized that Okpebholo’s victory was a reflection of the electorate’s trust in the APC’s progressive policies aimed at improving Nigeria’s economic landscape and the well-being of its citizens.
“The victory is a testament to the confidence the people of Edo State have in the APC’s agenda to uplift the economy and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
The President also urged Senator Okpebholo to embrace his triumph with humility and to prioritize unity and inclusiveness in governance.
He encouraged the newly elected governor to extend an olive branch to his political opponents and concentrate on the development of Edo State.
“This victory is not for gloating but a call to service,” President Tinubu remarked, emphasizing the importance of magnanimity in leadership.
He highlighted the need for Okpebholo to unite all factions for the greater good of the state.
In addition to congratulating Okpebholo, the President acknowledged the contributions of the other candidates in the race, noting that their participation was vital to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
He commended the peaceful nature of the election, which he said demonstrated the maturity of Nigeria’s democracy, particularly 25 years after the return to civilian rule.
“The peaceful conduct of this election is a clear reflection of how far we’ve come in our democratic journey,” Tinubu added.
Further, Tinubu praised the people of Edo State for their orderly and peaceful participation in the electoral process, describing it as a testament to Nigeria’s growing commitment to democratic values.
He also lauded INEC and the security agencies for their role in ensuring a transparent and largely incident-free election.
“I commend INEC and our security forces for their professionalism in organizing an election that was transparent and credible. This further reinforces our confidence in the electoral process,” Tinubu stated.
The President concluded by encouraging any parties dissatisfied with the election results to seek redress through legal and constitutional avenues, reaffirming the importance of upholding the rule of law and democratic principles.
“Those aggrieved by the outcome should pursue their grievances in a lawful manner, in line with the tenets of our democracy,” Tinubu advised.
