‘Don’t gloat over your victory’- Tinubu tells Edo governor-elect

President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo for his recent victory in the Edo State governorship election.

As the candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) finished third with 22,763 votes.

In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on media and strategy, Tinubu advised Okpebholo not to become complacent with his win.

He emphasized that this victory reflects the people’s support for the APC and praised the efforts of APC leaders in achieving success in Edo State. The president encouraged any dissatisfied parties to seek legal remedies.

“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate in Saturday’s Edo State governorship election, on his electoral success,” the statement noted.

He urges Senator Okpebholo to view his victory as a call to service and to foster unity among the people of Edo State, promoting development.”

Tinubu also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their dedication in facilitating a peaceful and largely successful election.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari also congratulated Okpebholo, calling his win a “historic electoral victory.” In a statement from his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari encouraged both the winners and losers to collaborate in enhancing democracy in the state. He praised law enforcement for their role in ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

“Congratulations to the APC and Senator Monday Okpebholo on this historic victory. I wish Edo State and its people a new lease on life,” Buhari stated.