President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to credible elections.
The President, while congratulating Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on his victory at the State governorship election held on Saturday, assured Nigerians that one major legacy his administration will never toy with is the conduct of credible elections.
Obaseki, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the poll.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari commended the electoral process that saw the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaring Obaseki winner.
In the statement titled “President Buhari commends election process in Edo State reiterates commitment to free and fair elections,” Buhari asked the governor to show grace and humility in victory.
“My commitment to free and fair elections is firm, because, without free and fair elections, the foundation of our political and moral authority will be weak.
“I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democratic order.
“Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with.”
He commended the people the State, the political parties, candidates, and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly.
Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Obaseki on his reelection.
Jonathan urged Obaseki to set aside partisan politics while governing the State for the good of all.
In a series of tweets, the former president commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for conducting a free and fair election in the state.
Jonathan wrote: “I congratulate His Excellency @GovernorObaseki on his re-election as Edo State Governor. I also congratulate @inecnigeria for overseeing a process that allowed the votes of the good people of Edo to count.
“Democracy can only be consolidated to promote good governance in our nation and continent when our elections become credible, transparent and truly represent the wish of the voters.
Through their ballot papers, Edo people have spoken in favour of Governor Obaseki. He should therefore rise above partisan politics and govern for the good of all.