President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja congratulated Edo governor-elect, Godwin Obaseki, the government and the people of Edo State on the successful conclusion of the gubernatorial election.
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, the 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 Oshomole brought into the service of his people.
‘‘The victory is good for democracy, for Nigeria and the people of Edo State,’’ he said.
President Buhari said the victory was well-deserved as the campaign train, which he joined, worked hard to sell its people-centered manifesto.
The President also applauded the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, corps members and electorate in ensuring a peaceful election.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has also congratulated the Party’s governor-elect, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Philip Shuaibu on their election victory.
In a message issued 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.
The APC National Chairman 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. He called for calm and appealed to the opposition parties to accept defeat in good faith.
“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 APC National Chairman said.
INEC had announced that Obaseki won the majority of the votes cast, with a total of 319,483 votes, and he was closely followed by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who polled 253,173 votes.
After the INEC announcement by the Chief returning officer, Professor Kayode Soremekun, APC supporters came out in celebration.
Auchi, the administrative headquaters of Estako West Local Government Area of Edo came alive as hundreds of supporters danced through major streets, singing victory songs.
Some APC chieftains described the victory as a confirmation of the people’s trust and belief in the Gov. Adams Oshiomhole-led APC government in Edo.
Mr Yakubu Musa, an APC Chieftian, said “the APC victory is as a result of the good foundation laid by Gov. Oshiomhole in infrastructure
development in the state.
“I can tell you that the incoming government of Godwin Obaseki and Philip Shuaibu will make the difference.
“This difference is to build on the foundation of Oshiomhole as with Tinubu, Fashola and Ambode in Lagos State. The transformation will be monumental.”
Another APC Chieftain, Hajiya Mariam Abubakar, advised the incoming government to hit the ground running as the people were anxious to see massive developments.
She said “my message to the party is to hit the ground running after the swearing of the governor because it is not just about winning and celebrating.
“It is about putting smiles on the faces of Edo sons and daughters as is with Oshiomhole.
“And because Obaseki is the engine room of Oshiomhole, I dont have any doubt; I know the governor-elect will not disappoint the people who
gave him this mandate.”
