Edo election Outcome: Obaseki thanks Buhari, Oshiomhole for victory

The governor-elect of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has thanked the people of the state for voting him as the next leader.Obaseki, who accepted his victory in the governorship election with enthusiasm, said he would make sure that all his campaign promises were fulfilled as soon as he takes over power.Obaseki spoke on Thursday after the Independent National Electoral Commission returned him as winner of the election.“With great humility, I accept this announcement of my victory as the governor-elect of Edo State,” said Obaseki.He garnered 319,483 votes in the election, as against the 253,173 votes polled by Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party.He added, “More importantly, by your votes you have clearly affirmed your faith in my ability to lead our state forward into a new era. This is a responsibility Philip Shuaibu, my running mate, and myself do not take lightly.”Noting that he and his party made many promises during the election, Obaseki pledged that his administration would strive to deliver on all the promises and “build a state which will be anchored on a productive economy that will transform and empower our citizens to the best level.”“I promise to work tirelessly for the good of all Edo people irrespective of gender, social status, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation,” he said.He thanked the people for their courage in coming out to vote “in spite of the intimidating manoeuvres of merchants of violence who wanted to derail the conduct of a peaceful, free and fair election.”“You are the heroes of this election; you saw through their propaganda and lies and you made the right decision,” he said.He thanked his wife and family, President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Adams Oshiomhole for standing by him during the election.“I reserve special appreciation for my brother and friend, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, for his vision and single-minded focus on the progress and development of our state.“When everyone thought it was impossible, you proved to Edo people that government indeed can work for them. I want you to know that the legacy you have built would last forever,” he said.Obaseki called on his opponents in the election, who he said put up a gallant fight, to work with him to move the state forward.He said, “The elections are over; it is time to bury the hatched and close ranks for the good of our dear state. Our state is superior to all other interests and we must, as individuals, subordinate our personal ambitions to that of the collective.”

Buhari says conduct, outcome ”˜good for democracy’

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the government and people of Edo on the successful conclusion of the gubernatorial election in the state, the President’s spokesman Femi Adesina has said.Adesina said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday that Buhari in a telephone call to Gov. Adams Oshiohmole of Edo, noted with delight the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki in the poll.He said Buhari commended the well-articulated campaign programme of APC in the state, the doggedness of the governor, governor-elect and the party members in going round the state to reach the people with records of good governance.The president said the outcome of the election clearly reflected the mood of the people to sustain the pedigree of responsiveness, forthrightness and diligence that Oshiohmole brought into the service of his people, Adesina explained.“The victory is good for democracy, for Nigeria and for the people of Edo,” he quoted the president as saying.He said the president described the victory as well deserved considering that the campaign train, which he (Buhari) joined, worked hard to sell its people-centred manifesto.Adesina said the president applauded the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, National Youth Service Corps members and the electorate in ensuring a peaceful election in Edo.

We will go to court, Obaseki’s election is fraudulent ”“ Ikimi

A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, has described the emergence of Godwin Obaseki as the governor of Edo State as fraudulent.Ikimi said Obaseki’s election was against the choice of the people of Edo State.The Peoples Democratic Party chief, who hails from Igueben Local Government Area in Edo Central Senatorial District of the state, insisted that the APC didn’t deserve victory in the poll.Speaking with newsmen on Thursday, Ikimi said the election did not represent the wish of the people.He said, “All I can say is that I dispute the election completely. I take the view expressed by our candidate that the outcome of the election as announced by INEC is completely at variance with what happened on the ground.“So, we dispute it completely and we will seek redress through constitutional means.”Asked if he was surprised at the conduct of the election, he said, “I’m not totally surprised at the process of the election.“But I take the view that INEC and all those who were responsible for the conduct of the election will abide by the attitude that is being openly expressed by President Muhammad Buhari that they should not interfere in the electoral processes.“The president is one person who has gone through this process in the past. And he knows very well that everyone should have a free and fair election. That is why we feel this shouldn’t have been like that.“Like I said before I abide by the position that my party has taken on the election. It is at variance with the anti-corruption stance of the Federal Government.”