Edo State Governor-elect Godwin Obaseki and his running mate Philip Shaibu on Tuesday received certificates of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The presentation was held at the collation centre at the state headquarters of INEC in Benin.
INEC national commissioner in charge of Edo, Bayelsa and Rivers May Agbamuche-Mbu presented the certificates of return to the duo, saying: “This occasion is only made possible because of the successful conduct of the governorship election last Saturday, September 19.
“INEC, I believe, has played its humble part but we have always maintained that a successfully conducted election is a collective effort, and so it has proven to be.”
In his acceptance speech, Obaseki thanked God and Edo people for a peaceful election, adding that history had been made in the state.
Obaseki said INEC national chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu should receive most of the accolades for his steadfastness and ability to withstand pressure, adding that using his intellect in introducing technology for the election should be hailed by all.
He added: “I am using this opportunity to extend a hand of fellowship to my brother Osagie Ize-Iyamu and other colleagues in the APC to work with us to move Edo forward.
“On a specific note, I want to use this occasion to call on former national chairman of the APC Adams Oshiomhole that the fight is over, to come and join in building the house where he was part of laying the foundation.
“We have no malice; the only thing we disagreed on is on the approach in moving Edo forward.’’
