President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged the Edo State governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, to prioritise the development of his state.
The president also assured him of the Federal Government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) full support.
President Tinubu said this at a meeting with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress party (APC), where Okpebholo and the deputy governor-elect, Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return in Abuja.
He stressed the importance of good governance in Edo State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday night declared Okpebholo as the winner of the election ahead of his Peoples Democratic Party (PD) rival, Asue Ighodalo
He polled 291,667 votes to edge out Ighodalo who garnered 247,274 votes in the keenly contested election.
The Labour Party flag bearer, Olumide Akpata, finished in third place with 22,763 votes.
However, Ighodalo and his party have rejected the outcome of the election and vowed to challenge it in court.
Tinubu said: ‘’Governor-elect, you can now face the task of development. We are here to work with you.
“You have seen the progressive governors of APC. They are truly progressive. Work with them. Learn the ropes, and I believe you are up to the task.
“You have earned the victory. Democracy is difficult, particularly in emerging democracies and economies like ours.
“If you hear complaints from places like America, you know how difficult it is to navigate democracy. But it remains the best form of government.”
The president congratulated Okpebholo and his deputy and described them as a “good symbol of people ordained by God to work together.”
“You started as rivals and ended up as partners. You are a symbol of good understanding in politics; the man at our party’s helm has been through it before,” he added.
Tinubu acknowledged the role played by former Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, the progressive governors, and the APC leadership in the successful outcome of the governorship election in Edo.
“I saw Adams Oshiomhole radiating in joy, sincerely the governors showed up in Edo, they impressed me. They defended the party. They worked hard for the party,” he stated.
In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, commended the leadership and support of the president, the governors, and all stakeholders.
“On the day of the election, there was an exciting scenario: it was raining heavily, yet people came out to vote without using an umbrella.
“Your Excellency, the people were convinced that our party is the party to be voted for, and we won the election,” he stated.
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