President Muhammadu Buhari has described the re-election of Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State as “a race well run and a victory well won.”
He said this in a congratulatory message to the Kogi governor who was returned elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Announcing the final result of the Nov. 16 governorship poll, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, the Returning Officer for the election said Bello polled 406,222 votes to emerge winner.
Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Monday, commended All Progressives Congress, APC, supporters for remaining steadfast and resolute even in the “face of isolated incidents of violence”.
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He commiserated with families and loved ones of those who lost their lives as a result of acts of violence by “thugs doing the bidding of their political sponsors,” adding: “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.”
President Buhari commended officials of the INEC and security agencies for creditably discharging their responsibilities under difficult conditions.
He urged the re-elected governor to see his renewed mandate as another opportunity to build on the foundations already laid towards improving the lives of the people of Kogi.
He also advised him to be magnanimous in victory by extending a hand of partnership to opposition candidates.
Furthermore, the president urged those dissatisfied with the outcome of the election to seek redress in court.
