President Bola Tinubu has urged the Edo State governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to prioritize the development of the state, pledging the full support of the federal government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) in his administration.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Tinubu shared his message on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The event saw the Edo governor-elect and his deputy, Rep. Dennis Idahosa, present their certificates of return.
Emphasizing the importance of good governance, Tinubu advised Okpebholo to focus on delivering results for the people of Edo State. “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,” the president said.
Acknowledging the challenges faced in emerging democracies like Nigeria, Tinubu encouraged Okpebholo, stating, “You have earned the victory. Democracy is difficult, particularly in emerging democracies and economies like ours. Yet, it remains the best form of government.”
Tinubu praised Okpebholo and his deputy as a “good symbol of people ordained by God to work together,” highlighting their journey from rivals to partners. He further acknowledged the role of former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the APC leadership, and progressive governors in the successful outcome of the Edo gubernatorial election. “I saw Adams Oshiomhole radiating in joy… sincerely, the governors showed up in Edo, they impressed me. They defended the party and worked hard,” Tinubu remarked.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for conducting a peaceful election, free of violence or disturbances. “I must thank the security agencies. There was no bloodshed, no riot; people voted and went back to their houses in peace,” Tinubu stated.
The president urged the party’s leadership and members to stay united in their quest to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying, “Never mind the noise makers. I do a lot of statistical sampling and results. When you hear politicians saying ‘all politics is local,’ you must respect that notion.”
Reflecting on the heavy downpour on Election Day, Tinubu highlighted the resilience of voters who stood in the rain to cast their ballots, emphasizing the commitment to democracy.
In his remarks, APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Ganduje commended President Tinubu’s leadership and the dedication of all stakeholders involved. He noted that the party’s next focus is securing victories in the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Ondo and Anambra states. “The election in Anambra is part of our programme, ‘Political de-marginalization of the Southeast geopolitical zone,’” Ganduje explained, expressing the party’s desire to gain more states in the region.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor-elect Okpebholo pledged to serve as a dedicated servant to the Edo people. “For me, I’m coming as a servant to serve the Edo people. That is what is required of me, and that is what exactly I’m going to do,” he said, assuring the public of plans for development, including renovating schools and employing teachers.
Okpebholo also expressed openness to working with the opposition, stating, “If they have an idea that is beautiful and acceptable by the people, then why not? My door is open to everybody.” He urged those who lost the election to accept the outcome patiently, adding, “They have to bear it. They have to wait. It has happened. If I had lost, I would have borne it, and I would have, by now, congratulated the winner. So, I’m expecting them to congratulate me.”
