President Bola Tinubu has said that the outcomes of Saturday’s gubernatorial elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states reflect the wishes of the people.
Tinubu said this while congratulating Hope Uzodimma, Alhaji Usman Ododo and Douye Diri, who emerged victorious in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states respectively.
While Uzodimma and Ododo contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Diri vied on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the president commended the electorate in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa for their participation in the electoral process.
He said the elections affirmed the resilience of democratic institutions and the power of the people in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
“President Tinubu says the outcome of the elections reflects the wishes of the people, emphasising that democracy thrives when voters reward competence, transparency, and good governance,” the presidential statement read in part.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “working assiduously to create a level playing field for all contestants and the nation’s security agencies for maintaining law and order during the highly-anticipated elections”.
The president affirmed the need for a sustained commitment to all efforts aimed at further sanitising the electoral system and enhancing the credibility of future elections.
“With the election processes concluded, President Tinubu anticipates a renewed sense of hope for the people of Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States, as well as consolidation on progress that will position the states as hubs of peace, commerce, entrepreneurship, and prosperity in Nigeria.
“In the spirit of fostering a harmonious and inclusive political landscape in the aforementioned states, President Tinubu asks the victors to prioritize the common good of the people over partisan interests,” the presidential statement further read.
Tinubu added, “May your tenure in office be defined by close collaboration with all of your counterparts across party lines in the attainment of pan-Nigerian developmental achievements that benefit everyone, and may you lead at all times with compassion and a deepened commitment to our nation’s unity.”