Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for his victory in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election.
Okpebholo, aged 54, garnered 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) trailed in third place with 22,763 votes. Fourteen other candidates participated but failed to match the leading contenders.
In a statement issued on Sunday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu advised Okpebholo to view his victory as a call to serve, rather than an opportunity to boast.
The President encouraged Okpebholo to extend an olive branch to his political opponents and focus on uniting the people of Edo State for the betterment of all.
Tinubu also acknowledged the efforts of the other candidates in promoting Nigeria’s democratic process. He praised the peaceful conduct of the election, emphasizing that such events underscore Nigeria’s standing as a stable democracy.
He further urged any parties dissatisfied with the election results to seek resolution through appropriate legal avenues.
“I commend INEC and our security agencies for their tireless efforts in ensuring a successful, peaceful, and largely smooth election. INEC has once again proven its commitment to organizing free and fair elections in Nigeria,” President Tinubu said.
