Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) says he alongside other members of his party is studying the outcome of the just concluded governorship election in the Edo State.
The APC flagbearer was trounced by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who sought to be reelected for another term of four years.
While Obaseki scored 307,955, the former secretary to the government of Edo State polled 223,619 to come second in the race that had 14 contestants.
While thanking and calling on his supporters to remain calm, the APC candidate, who enjoyed the support of Adams Oshiomhole, former governor and esrtwhile national chairman of the party, said his next line of action would be made public soon.
“I thank and appreciate my supporters, who had to endure many evils including being prevented from voting, for their support and determination during the election,” Ize-Iyamu said yesterday on Twitter.
“I assure you all that I am studying the results along with other party members and will announce my next move soon,” he added.
On his part, the state governor who has now been reelected, described his victory as the end of godfatherism in the state. He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as security agencies for allowing the people of the state decide who they want.
“The great people of Edo State have spoken and they have spoken loud and clear. We thank God Almighty and give him all the glory for this victory,” Obaseki said.
“We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for defending our democracy and allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security services to perform their constitutional functions without interference.
“The security services and INEC have shown Nigerians that they are capable of conducting free and credible elections. Nothing will fail me in saluting the teeming supporters who supported me in the face of intimidation and brutalisation.
“The collective will of the Edo people made it possible for us to triumph over godfatherism. I thank my brother governor, not only for giving us the umbrella but for the hard work. This has reinforced on me that there is nothing we cannot achieve as a people if we pull forces together and collectively call on God.
“I reiterate to all of you today that working with my deputy, Philip Shaibu, we are committed to making Edo great again. I thank you all for your support,” Mr Obaseki said.
