President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his victory in the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024.
In a statement released on Sunday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu urged Okpebholo to view his win as a "challenging call to service" rather than a moment for celebration. The President emphasized the importance of unity, encouraging Okpebholo to reach out to political rivals to foster collaboration for the development of Edo State.
Tinubu praised other candidates who participated in the election for their commitment to advancing Nigeria’s democracy, noting that peaceful political contests highlight Nigeria’s stability. He called on those dissatisfied with the election results to seek resolution through legal channels and commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their roles in ensuring a largely smooth electoral process.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari described Okpebholo’s victory as "historic" and expressed hope that the new administration would work collaboratively to strengthen democracy and continue the state’s development trajectory. Buhari also acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement in maintaining order during the election.
In contrast, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri condemned the election outcome, labeling it a "shameful" reflection of Nigeria’s democratic processes. Fintiri criticized the APC for alleged electoral malpractice, including vote-buying and intimidation of voters. He expressed his concern for the state of democracy in Nigeria, asserting that these actions undermine public trust and calling for accountability.
