The All Progressives Congress (APC) has felicitated Governor Godwin Obaseki on his re-election as Edo State Governor.
The chairman of the APC national caretaker committee, Mai Mala Buni said in a statement that the peaceful conduct of the election and its outcome represents a victory for Nigeria’s democracy.
This contradicts the stance of defeated APC candidate in the just-concluded Edo governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who said he was still studying the results of the poll as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, on Sunday and would make his next step known on it soon.
“I assure you all that I am studying the results along with other party members and will announce the next line of action soon. God bless you all,” Ize-Iyamu stated.
Buni said the party and the president remain committed to free and fair elections to strengthen the foundation of the country’s political and moral authority.
He commended INEC, security agencies, and all political parties that contested the election for the successful conduct of the election.
He also thanked the party’s flag-bearer, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu for his tenacity and leadership while appreciating the efforts of the immediate past national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, and other members for demonstrating unwavering support for the party and its candidate in the election.
Governor Buni added that it is time to unite to move the country’s democracy forward and put an end to the era when the electoral contest becomes warfare.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, on his re-election.
He also hailed the INEC for the smooth process that led to the emergence of Obaseki.
The President’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a Tweet on Sunday said Buhari commended the people of Edo State, the political parties, candidates and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly.
The President urged the returning governor to show grace and humility.
He said, “My commitment to free and fair elections is firm, because without free and fair elections, the foundation of our political and moral authority will be weak.
“I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democratic order.
“Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with.”
