Edo election: Obaseki jubilates, promises to work tirelessly

The governor-elect of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has accepted his victory in the governorship election and promised to work tirelessly to transform the state.

Obaseki spoke on Thursday after the Independent National Electoral Commission returned him as winner of the election.

“With great humility, I accept this announcement of my victory as the governor-elect of Edo State,” said Obaseki, who secured 319,483 votes in the election, as against the 253,173 votes polled by Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He said his victory underscored the preference of Edo people “for continuity and consolidation of our progress.”

He added, “More importantly, by your votes you have clearly affirmed your faith in my ability to lead our state forward into a new era. This is a responsibility Philip Shuaibu, my running mate, and myself do not take lightly.”

Noting that he and his party made many promises during the election, Obaseki pledged that his administration would strive to deliver on all the promises and “build a state which will be anchored on a productive economy that will transform and empower our citizens to the best level.”

“I promise to work tirelessly for the good of all Edo people irrespective of gender, social status, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation,” he said.

He thanked the people for their courage in coming out to vote “in spite of the intimidating manoeuvres of merchants of violence who wanted to derail the conduct of a peaceful, free and fair election.”

“You are the heroes of this election; you saw through their propaganda and lies and you made the right decision,” he said.

The Edo state governor-elect, who also praised INEC and security agencies for their role in maintaining law an order, also thanked his wife and family, President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

He said Buhari’s presence at the APC grand rally in Benin was deeply appreciated; while also acknowledging the support received from the APC governors as well as the leadership of our great party.

“I reserve special appreciation for my brother and friend, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, for his vision and single-minded focus on the progress and development of our state.

“When everyone thought it was impossible, you proved to Edo people that government indeed can work for them. I want you to know that the legacy you have built would last forever,” he said.

Obaseki called on his opponents in the election, who he said put up a gallant fight, to work with him to move the state forward.

He said, “The elections are over; it is time to bury the hatched and close ranks for the good of our dear state. Our state is superior to all other interests and we must, as individuals, subordinate our personal ambitions to that of the collective.”