KEY POINTS

• Tinubu congratulates APC candidate Monday Okpebholo for winning the Edo State election.
• The President calls for unity and peaceful resolution of election disputes.
• Tinubu praises INEC and security agencies for conducting a successful election.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Edo State governorship election on his victory. INEC declared Okpebholo as the winner of the election after the People Democratic Party’s candidate put up a strong challenge.

In a release signed by his Special Adviser on Information/Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu applauded the peaceful conduct of the election.

He thanked all the leaders of APC and the party governors for their efforts in making sure that this victory was achieved.

Tinubu pointed out that Okpebholo’s victory was an affirmative vote for the APC leadership and the party’s liberal policies for enhancing the general welfare in Nigeria. He said this reflects support for the party’s economic change and governance.

However, the President cautioned Okpebholo to approach the victory with humility as he congratulated him.

“It is not a time for boasting, but for lifting the call to a higher level – the level of the servant,” he said. Tinubu urged his followers and those of his opponents to embrace unity in Edo State.

Commending peaceful democracy

According to a report by Punch, Tinubu also appreciated all other contestants for coming out to participate in the election.

He stated that Nigeria has indeed demonstrated civility by conducting the polls in a peaceful manner which he attributes to the up and working democracy that Nigeria has been since the year 1999.

For those who may be dissatisfied with the election results, Tinubu suggested that they seek legal avenues for redress. He insisted that political struggle should be based on unity, which is necessary for Nigeria’s further development.

Applauding INEC and security efforts

In his speech, Tinubu appreciated the efforts of INEC and security agencies in the electoral process. He appreciated the electoral body for the commitment shown to conducting free and fair elections within the country.

“INEC has once again proven its commitment to upholding the integrity of our elections,” Tinubu said, adding that the success of this poll was a promising sign for the country’s democracy.