Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun of Lagos and Ogun States have congratulated the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on his victory at Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued on Monday morning by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described the outcome of the election as a landslide victory for APC.
He said Okpebholo’s victory is well deserved and a clear manifestation that the All Progressives Congress remains the party of choice for Nigerians at the local, state and federal levels.
Governor Sanwo-Olu saluted the people of Edo State, particularly the electorate, for rejecting the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and defying all odds to vote for the APC and its candidate during the governorship poll.
The Governor advised the Governor-elect to “make his victory count for all the citizens and residents of Edo State, irrespective of their political affiliations, social and ethnic backgrounds”.
He said: “I congratulate Edo State APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for emerging victorious in Saturday’s gubernatorial election and returning as the duly elected governor.
“The landslide victory of Senator Okpebholo and the ruling party showed that Edo people know what is right, and they have done what is right by sacking the PDP and voting for the APC.
“Senator Okpebholo’s victory is a clear indication that the people of Edo State want a breath of fresh air in the State, and I believe, strongly that the APC government will surpass their expectations.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised President Bola Tinubu for creating a level playing field for all the governorship candidates in the Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Edo State.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for being an unbiased umpire in the election.
In the same vein, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the security agencies for providing adequate security for the INEC and adhoc staff as well as political parties, electorates, and Edo people before, during, and after the election.
“I appreciate the leader of our party, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima; APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, my colleagues, and other APC leaders, especially members of the Governor Bassey Ottu-led National Campaign Council for the Edo State Governorship election, for working tirelessly for the victory of our party in the Saturday’s governorship poll.
“I also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for being an unbiased umpire and all the security agencies for providing adequate security for people during the poll,” he said.
On his part, Gov. Abiodun expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Monday Okpebholo, stating that the peaceful conduct of the election reaffirmed that Nigeria’s democracy is maturing and evolving.
Abiodun, in a congratulatory message to Okpebholo, the APC, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its commendable efforts in ensuring a free and fair electoral process, highlighting the transparency and credibility of the elections.
Prince Abiodun, in the statement, described the election as free and fair. “Such a commitment to democratic principles is a testament to INEC’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and fostering trust in the electoral system,” Prince Abiodun said.
The governor commended the Edo people for their active participation in the electoral process, underscoring that their voices have been heard loud and clear.
“This election not only reflects their wishes but also signifies a collective stride towards more vibrant and accountable governance,” he added.
Prince Abiodun commended the leadership of the APC for running an issues-based campaign during the electioneering process, which paved the way for the resounding victory recorded by the party.
Abiodun also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and vision, which have been instrumental in guiding the APC to this victory.
He noted that under Tinubu’s stewardship, the party has been waxing stronger, even as he reiterated his belief in the progress of Nigeria’s democracy and the pivotal role of President Tinubu in shaping a brighter future for the nation.
