President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor-elect of Edo State, following his victory in the just-concluded governorship election.
Tinubu stated that the victory was a testament to the people’s endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC), its progressive ideals, economic reengineering programme, and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.
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Senator Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, defeating his opponents to secure the governorship seat.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised APC national leaders, Edo State leaders, and party governors for their dedication and hard work in achieving the victory.
He urged Senator Okpebholo to approach his win with humility and view it as a call to service, rather than an occasion for gloating.
Tinubu advised him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals, fostering unity, and ensuring the development of Edo State.
Furthermore, President Tinubu commended other candidates who participated in the election for their role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
He noted that peaceful political contests, like the one in Edo State, reflect Nigeria’s evolution into a stable democracy. Tinubu encouraged any aggrieved parties to seek redress through legal means.
The president also lauded the people of Edo State for their peaceful conduct during the election, underscoring the maturing nature of Nigeria’s democracy after 25 years.
“I commend INEC and our security agencies for working tirelessly to conduct a successful, peaceful, and largely hitch-free election. INEC has once again demonstrated its commitment to organizing free and fair elections in our country,” President Tinubu remarked.
Similarly, former President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of the APC, Umar Ganduje, have congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo on his victory.
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In a message, Buhari described Okpebholo’s triumph as “historic,” expressing optimism that the incoming administration would work inclusively to strengthen democracy and continue the trajectory of Edo State’s development.
Buhari also commended the law enforcement agencies for ensuring a peaceful electoral process and prayed for a renewed era of progress and prosperity for Edo State and its people.
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In the election results announced by INEC, Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came third with 22,763 votes.
Prof. Faruk Kuta, the returning officer, officially declared the results at the INEC collation center in Benin City on Sunday.
