President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, on his victory in the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday.
Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday after defeating his rivals in a tightly contested race.
In a statement on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, relayed Tinubu’s message to the people of Edo. “This victory is a reflection of the people’s trust in the APC and its commitment to progress and economic transformation,” Onanuga said.
Tinubu, however, urged Okpebholo to remain humble despite the victory. “Your success should not be a cause for celebration alone but a challenging call to service,” the president said. He emphasized that Okpebholo must focus on uniting the people of Edo State. “You must reach out to your opponents, bring everyone together, and work toward the development of Edo.”
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The president also acknowledged the contributions of other candidates who participated in the election. “I thank all the candidates for promoting democracy by participating in a peaceful contest. This election has demonstrated that Nigeria is a growing democracy with a stable political environment,” Tinubu noted.
The president praised the people of Edo for their peaceful conduct during the election. He remarked, “The orderly nature of the election shows that after 25 years of democratic practice, we are maturing as a nation.”
Speaking on the election process, Tinubu lauded INEC and the security agencies for ensuring a successful election. “INEC has proven once again that it is dedicated to holding free and fair elections in Nigeria,” Tinubu stated, adding that the peaceful atmosphere during the polls was largely due to the commitment of the security forces.
He urged any candidates who felt wronged by the election results to pursue legal means to challenge the outcome rather than resorting to violence. “We must protect our democracy by respecting legal processes,” the president advised.
Okpebholo’s victory marks a key moment in Edo politics, and Tinubu’s call for unity signals a desire for collaboration in ensuring the state’s progress. The president’s message underscores the need for governance that benefits all citizens, regardless of political affiliation
