President Bola Tinubu has called on the newly elected Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to focus on the development of the state while dismissing concerns from opposition voices as mere “noise.” This comes after the governor-elect and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return to the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
During the meeting, President Tinubu reiterated the federal government’s full support for Okpebholo’s administration and commended the leadership of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) for their role in securing the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory in Edo. He urged the governor-elect to collaborate with APC governors, whom he described as “truly progressive,” in addressing Edo State’s challenges.
“You have earned your victory, and now it’s time to get to work. The people of Edo deserve good governance, and with the help of the APC governors, I have no doubt you will rise to the occasion,” Tinubu said, adding that democracy, though challenging, remains the best system of government, even in emerging economies like Nigeria.
The president praised the peaceful conduct of the Edo election, attributing its success to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for ensuring a violence-free process. He also acknowledged the role played by former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and other APC leaders in the state’s electoral success.
“Adams Oshiomhole and the governors worked tirelessly to defend our party’s interests. I saw them radiating with joy as the results were announced,” Tinubu noted. He also made reference to the heavy rainfall on election day, highlighting the commitment of Edo voters who cast their ballots despite the downpour.
APC National Chairperson, Abdullahi Ganduje, also expressed his gratitude to the president and party leaders for their unwavering support during the election, and revealed that the party is now gearing up for upcoming gubernatorial elections in Ondo and Anambra States. Ganduje emphasized the need to expand APC’s influence in the South-East region, describing the current two-state control as insufficient.
