President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on his victory at the state governorship election held on Saturday.
The President, according to a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, commended the electoral process that saw the Independent National Electoral Commission declaring Obaseki winner.
Shehu quoted Buhari as restating his commitment to credible elections.
Mr. Buhari was further quoted as urging him to “show grace and humility in victory.”
“My commitment to free and fair elections is firm, because, without free and fair elections, the foundation of our political and moral authority will be weak.
“I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democratic order.
“Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with,” Buhari said.
Governor Obaseki, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, had defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu of Buhari’s All Progressives Congress.
Meanwhile, Mr. Iye-Iyamu has conceded defeat. Reacting via his Twitter handle, the APC candidate congratulated his opponent.
He wrote, “Edo people has decided, We thank you all! Congratulations to the opposition party! They have won! Election no be war. It’s time to work more harder for the next 4 years. Congratulations.”
