Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, has congratulated the
Edo people and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over
the victory of the party’s candidate in the state’s
governorship poll, Godwin Obaseki.
According to Bello, the victory is further confirmation of
Nigerians’ belief in the Change Agenda of the party under
the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The governor, who stated this through a press statement
signed by his chief press secretary, Kingsley Fanwo and
made available to newsmen hailed the conduct of INEC,
the Edo people and security agencies, who ensured a
hitch-free exercise.
He said: “I salute the gallantry of the Edo people who
conducted themselves peacefully throughout the election.
They spoke with a united voice in support of the change
agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari
administration.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission also used
the Edo poll to prove to the outside world its efficiency,
ingenuity and neutrality. The security agencies, poll
observers and all stakeholders who made it possible to
conduct a free, fair and credible poll in Edo state.
“My message to the Edo people is to believe in Obaseki.
My message to Obaseki, the Governor-Elect, is to build on
the solid legacies of the Comrade Governor, Adams
Oshiomhole. You have spoken today. In the next four
years, Edo state will be better.
“Obaseki is an excellent technocrat, an administrator per
excellence, a pragmatic leader. It is time to bring all these
qualities to bear on the development of Edo state. As
neighbours, Kogi and Edo states will continue to
collaborate for development.”
Governor Bello eulogized the outgoing Governor of the
state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for “changing the face
of politics in Edo state to that of development and of
transformation”, saying his years in Edo state “heralded
true change and progress.”
Obaseki, who was declared winner of the election by INEC,
defeated his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 319,483 votes to
253,173 votes.