President Bola Tinubu has lauded the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the recent Edo State governorship election. In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu congratulated Senator Okpebholo on his success at the polls, which was officially declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.
Onanuga noted that President Tinubu commended APC national leaders, Edo State party leaders, and governors for their collective efforts in securing the win, describing the outcome as a reflection of the people’s continued trust in the APC’s progressive ideals. According to the President, the victory reinforces the ruling party’s agenda of economic reengineering and commitment to improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
However, the President urged Senator Okpebholo to view the victory not as a moment for celebration, but as a challenging call to service. Through his Special Adviser, President Tinubu reminded the governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory, advising him to extend a hand of unity to his political opponents. “This is not a time for gloating but for collaboration, as the development of Edo State should be your primary focus,” Onanuga quoted the President as saying.
In addition, President Tinubu praised other candidates who participated in the election, recognizing their contributions to the democratic process and highlighting the peaceful nature of the contest as a positive indicator of Nigeria’s political maturity after 25 years of democracy.
For those aggrieved by the election result, President Tinubu, through Onanuga, encouraged them to seek redress through legal avenues. He stressed the importance of adhering to the rule of law in resolving electoral disputes, saying, “Our democracy is strengthened when grievances are addressed through the courts.”
The President also expressed his appreciation for the people of Edo State, commending their orderly and peaceful conduct during the election. He remarked that their behavior reflects the growing maturity of Nigeria’s democracy. Additionally, he applauded INEC and the nation’s security agencies for their dedication to ensuring a largely hitch-free and successful election. “INEC has once again demonstrated its commitment to conducting free and fair elections in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
Bayo Onanuga concluded the release by reiterating President Tinubu’s satisfaction with the process, underscoring that peaceful elections like the one in Edo are essential to maintaining the stability and development of Nigeria’s democracy.
