President Bola Tinubu has advised candidates dissatisfied with the outcome of the recently concluded Edo State governorship election to pursue their grievances through legal avenues.
The call comes following the announcement of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Saturday’s election.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu congratulated Okpebholo on his victory, which was confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday. Okpebholo won over his rivals to secure the governorship seat.
“The President urges all those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through the legal channels,” he said.
Tinubu commended APC national leaders, Edo leaders and party governors for working hard to achieve victory.
The President said the victory testified the people’s support for the ruling party, progressive ideals, economic reengineering programme and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.
He urged Okpebholo not to gloat over his victory but to see it as a call to service.
He encouraged him to demonstrate magnanimity by reaching out to his political rivals and unite the people of Edo to ensure development.
Tinubu also praised other candidates who participated in the election for their contributions to advancing Nigeria’s democracy, saying that peaceful political contests such as the one on Saturday portrays Nigeria as a stable democracy.
In addition, the President commended the people of Edo for their orderly and peaceful conduct during the election, underscoring the country’s maturing democracy after 25 years.
“I commend INEC and our security agencies for working round the clock to conduct a successful, peaceful and largely hitch-free exercise.
“INEC has once again demonstrated that it is committed to organising free and fair election in our country,” Tinubu added.
