President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday congratulated the government and people of Edo State on the successful conclusion of the gubernatorial election, and the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate, Godwin Obaseki.
The final result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced showed that Obaseki won the election with a total of 319,483 votes, with Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) coming second with 253,173.
In a telephone call to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, President Buhari commended the well-articulated campaign programme of the APC in the state, the doggedness of the governor, governor-elect and party members in going round the state to reach the people with records of good governance over the years and a promise of continuity.
According to the President, the outcome of the election clearly reflected the mood of the people to sustain the pedigree of responsiveness, forthrightness and diligence that Governor Oshiomhole brought into the service of his people.
“The victory is good for democracy, for Nigeria and the people of Edo State,” Buhari said.
President Buhari said the victory was well-deserved as the campaign train, which he joined, worked hard to sell its people-centered manifesto.
APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, also congratulated Obaseki and his running mate in the election, Philip Shuaibu,
In a message issued Thursday evening on behalf of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), Odigie-Oyegun thanked the good people of Edo State for the massive turnout during the election.
He also congratulated political parties and their candidates that contested the Edo governorship election for the fair play and relatively peaceful conduct displayed during the election exercise.
“The people of Edo state voted to ensure continuity and consolidation of the massive multi-faceted developments recorded under the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The Party assures that we will deliver on this expectation,” the Odigie-Oyegun said.
Former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, also congratulated Obaseki on his victory, saying Edo people have made the right choice.
Tinubu, who wants Odigie-Oyegun sacked as APC chairman, said Obaseki was a tested technocrat who was competent and experienced to take over and continue the “good work” done by the outgoing Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
The APC leader also congratulated Oshiomhole for his achievements in Edo, which helped in retaining the state for APC.
With the election of Obaseki, Tinubu said Edo had taken after Lagos in the continuity model, which he said has worked well for the people of Lagos State.
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday congratulated Obaseki, saying that the people of Edo State have made the right choice.
Ambode, in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said the development was not just a victory for democracy but the people who he said would experience continuity in terms of dividends of democracy.
Ambode, who was the chairman, APC National Campaign Committee for the election, said the people of Edo have voted for continuity of people-friendly policies and programmes, and urged all the relevant stakeholders in the affairs of the State to accept the verdict of the people and work with Obaseki to move the State forward.
“Like I said during the grand rally of our great party, APC, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin some few weeks back, Edo State, being the heartbeat of the South-South region, has all it takes to become another Lagos, and the decision of the people to speak with their votes in support of Obaseki is a signpost of their readiness for greatness and a testament to the monumental successes recorded in the last seven and half years by the incumbent Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
“We are enjoying the dividends of democracy in Lagos today because of the decision of the people to vote for continuity of good governance and I am glad that the people of Edo have also toed that path and the result will definitely translate to improved social services and welfare of the people,” Ambode said.
The Governor said judging by the antecedents of Obaseki, he was certain that Edo State is set for transformation and consolidation of the achievements of the outgoing administration in the State.
According to him, “Governor Oshiomhole has laid the right foundation for progressive governance. He has been responsive, progressive and totally committed to the needs of the people. With the decision to vote Mr Obaseki who is equally people-friendly, reliable, trustworthy, and has the fear of God, the people have made the right choice and I can only urge them to continue to support him to deliver on the campaign promises.
He also congratulated the people of Edo State for comporting themselves peacefully throughout the period of the election, while urging those aggrieved with the result to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters rather than resort to self help.
