President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the people of Anambra State, the governorship candidates, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), election observers as well as security agencies and other stakeholders, on the peaceful conduct of the November 18 gubernatorial election in the state.
According to the President, “the processes leading to the election and its peaceful conduct and outcome, have shown that our electoral reform is bearing positive fruits.
“This is very encouraging and I am determined to give Nigeria free and fair elections, no matter which way the results swing.”
Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, in a statement said Buhari particularly expressed delight at the conduct of the candidates post-election results,.
He described it as “heart-warming and a renewal of confidence in the sanctity of the ballot which deepens our nation’s democracy.”
The President charged INEC to improve on areas of logistics as the nation braces for the coming governorship elections and the main general elections in 2019.
While congratulating Governor Willie Obiano on his re-election, he urged him to rededicate himself to building on his achievements that endeared him to the electorate and swayed the overwhelming majority of votes in his favour.
“President Buhari assured the Governor-elect that the Federal Government is ready to work with him for the greater harmony, peace and development of not only Anambra State but the entire country.
“He wished the returning governor a successful new term in office”, the statement concluded.
However, it took Buhari nearly 48 hours to congratulate Obiano on his triumph.
DAILY POST recalls that this is in contrast to his disposition on the outcome of the governorship polls in Ondo and Edo states.
Inboth elections, Rotimi Akeredolu and Godwin Obaseki of the APC, emerged respectively.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returning officer, Prof. Zana Akpagu, the VC of University of Calabar, UNICAL, had declared Obiano winner having polled 234,071 votes.
The conduct and outcome of election has been hailed by many individuals and groups.
