Tinubu welcomes APC victory in Edo, commends peaceful election

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, for his victory in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Okpebholo as the winner after he garnered 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), who finished third with 22,763 votes. Okpebholo also defeated fourteen other candidates who secured far fewer votes.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu applauded APC national leaders, Edo State leaders, and party governors for their efforts in securing the victory. 

He noted that the win reflected the people’s support for the ruling party, its progressive ideals, and its commitment to economic reforms aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

The President urged Okpebholo to approach his victory with humility and to reach out to his political opponents, emphasizing the importance of unity in ensuring Edo State’s development. 

“While celebrating this victory, I encourage you not to gloat but to see this as a challenging call to service. Reach out to your rivals and unite the people of Edo for the betterment of the state,” Tinubu advised.

He also praised other candidates for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that peaceful elections like Saturday’s demonstrate the country’s growing political stability. President Tinubu encouraged any aggrieved parties to seek redress through legal channels.

Additionally, he lauded the people of Edo State for their orderly conduct, highlighting it as a sign of Nigeria’s maturing democracy.

“I commend INEC and our security agencies for their hard work in conducting a peaceful, largely hitch-free election. INEC has once again shown its commitment to organizing free and fair elections,” President Tinubu said.