Barely 24 hours after the conclusion of Edo gubernatorial election, All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Godwin Obaseki, over his re-election as the state governor.
APC stated that the decision to congratulate PDP candidate after the poll was based on the party’s commitment towards ensuring free and fair elections as well as support any course that would further strengthen the foundation of the country’s political and moral authority.
The party through a statement by chairman of its national caretaker committee, Mai Mala Buni, added that it was time for members to accept outcome of the election, unite to move the country’s democracy forward and put an end to era when the electoral contest becomes warfare.
In the statement released on Monday, APC argued that as the country’s governing party, it would take every step necessary to support the Federal Government towards consolidating on gains achieved during the Edo gubernatorial election held over the weekend.
While acknowledging that the election conducted and result released by Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) was free and fair, the party stated that the peaceful conduct of the election and its outcome represented victory for Nigeria’s democracy.
APC said: “We appeal to all our members to be strengthened by the outcome of the election and unite in order to correct all the problems that worked against our party and our candidate in the just concluded election.
“As progressives and democrats, we are confident that all leaders and members of the party will celebrate the outcome of the election as free and fair as acknowledge by our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Let us unite to move our democracy forward. We must put an end to the era when electoral contest become warfare. We urge our candidate and all our members to join us in congratulating Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the PDP, being the declared winner of the election.
“Our attention must now shift to Ondo State and ensure that we win the October 10, 2020 election. September 19, 2020 Edo election should present a new watershed. We will work hard to win the Ondo election”, it added.
APC, meanwhile, commended its candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, for his tenacity and leadership role played before and during the governorship election to ensure a violence free poll in the state.
Aside from from the candidate, the party also applauded the effort of its former national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and its members in Edo state for demonstrating unwavering support to Ize-Iyamu during the poll inspite of the challenges encountered.
Also, APC commend INEC, security agencies and other political parties that contested the election for adhering to rules set by the electoral umpire to achieve free and fair poll.
