Abuja – President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the government and people of Edo on successful conclusion of the gubernatorial election in the state.

In a telephone call to Gov. Adams Oshiohmole of Edo on Thursday, the President noted with delight the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Godwin Obaseki.

He commended the well articulated campaign programme of the APC in the state, the doggedness of the governor, governor-elect and party members in going round the state to reach the people with records of good governance.

According to the president, the outcome of the election clearly reflects the mood of the people to sustain the pedigree of responsiveness, forthrightness and diligence that Oshiohmole brought into the service of his people.

He said “the victory is good for democracy, for Nigeria and for the people of Edo.”

The President further maintained that the victory was well deserved as the campaign train, which he joined, worked hard to sell its people-centered manifesto.

He applauded the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, corps members and the electorate in ensuring peaceful election in the state.

INEC had announced that Obaseki of the APC won majority of the votes cast in the Sept. 28 Edo poll with a total of 319,483 votes.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP came second with 253,173 votes.

Meanwhile, Gov.Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday congratulated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for his victory at the just concluded gubernatorial election.

In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, the governor said that the people of Edo had made the right choice.

The NIGERIAN OBSERVER reports that Obaseki, who was declared winner of the Sept. 28 Edo election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), defeated Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 319,483 votes to 253,173 votes.

The Lagos State governor said that the development was not just a victory for democracy, but the people, who he said would experience continuity in terms of dividends of democracy.

Ambode, who chaired the APC National Campaign Committee for the election, said the people of Edo voted for continuity of people-friendly policies and programmes.

He urged relevant stakeholders to accept the verdict and work with Obaseki to move the state forward, noting that “like I said during the
grand rally of our great party – APC, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin some few weeks back, Edo, being the heartbeat of the South-South region, has all it takes to become another Lagos.

“The decision of the people to speak with their votes in support of Obaseki is a signpost of their readiness for greatness.

“It is a testament to the monumental successes recorded in the last seven and half years by the incumbent governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole.

“We are enjoying dividends of democracy in Lagos today because of the decision of the people to vote for continuity of good governance.

“I am glad that the people of Edo have also towed that path and the result will definitely translate to improved social services and welfare of the people.”

Ambode said that judging by the antecedents of Obaseki, he was certain that Edo was set for transformation and consolidation of the achievements of the outgoing administration.

According to him, Oshiomhole has laid the right foundation for progressive governance.

He added that “with the decision to vote Obaseki who is equally people-friendly, reliable, trustworthy, and has the fear of God, the people have made the right choice and I can only urge them to continue to support him to deliver on the campaign promises.”

He also congratulated the people of Edo for the orderliness and for being peaceful throughout the period of the election and
urged those who were aggrieved to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters.