President Bola Tinubu has urged candidates dissatisfied with the results of the recently concluded Edo State governorship election to channel their grievances through legal means. This advice comes after Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner of the election held on Saturday.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu extended his congratulations to Okpebholo following the announcement of his victory by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday. Okpebholo successfully secured the governorship seat, triumphing over his opponents.
“The President encourages all those who are unhappy with the election outcome to seek redress through legal avenues,” the statement read.President Tinubu also expressed his appreciation to the national leaders of the APC, party governors, and key figures in Edo State for their concerted efforts in securing the party’s victory in the election.
He highlighted the triumph as a reflection of the people’s support for the ruling party’s progressive ideals, economic reform agenda, and dedication to improving the lives of Nigerians.
Tinubu urged Okpebholo to approach his victory with humility, advising him to refrain from celebrating excessively. Instead, he should view the mandate as a call to serve the people of Edo State. The President encouraged the new governor to reach out to his political rivals in the spirit of magnanimity and work towards uniting the people of Edo for the sake of the state’s development.
Additionally, Tinubu commended the other candidates who participated in the election, acknowledging their role in advancing Nigeria’s democracy. He praised the peaceful nature of the political contest, noting that such elections are a testament to Nigeria’s status as a stable and maturing democracy.
The President also took the opportunity to applaud the people of Edo State for their orderly and peaceful conduct during the election, further underscoring the steady progression of democracy in the country after 25 years of practice.
“I commend INEC and our security agencies for their round-the-clock efforts in conducting a successful, peaceful, and largely trouble-free election,” Tinubu stated.
He concluded by noting that INEC once again demonstrated its commitment to organizing free and fair elections in Nigeria.
