President Muhammadu Buhari has described the re-election of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State in the last Saturday’s gubernatorial race as “ a race well run and a victory well won”
This followed the declaration of Bello as the winner of the November 16 gubernatorial poll, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The President, while reacting to the declaration, stated that the election and emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate as “a race well run and a victory well won.”
Buhari, in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also used the opportunity to commend APC supporters for “remaining steadfast and resolute even in the face of isolated incidents of violence”.
President Buhari condoled with families and loved ones of those who lost their lives as a result of regrettable acts of violence by thugs doing the bidding of their political sponsors.
According to the President, “All political actors and stakeholders must take deliberate steps to eschew electoral violence as a peaceful and orderly process is vital to our quest for enduring democracy.”
The President commended officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for “creditably discharging their responsibilities under difficult conditions”
President Buhari therefore, urged Gov. Bello to see his renewed mandate as another opportunity to build on the foundations already laid towards improving the lives of the people of Kogi State.
He also enjoined the governor to imbibe the spirit of magnanimity in victory by extending a hand of partnership to opposition candidates, while urging those dissatisfied with the outcome of the election to approach the courts.
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