The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has congratulated Governor Hope Uzodinma and Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on their victories during Saturday’s governorship elections in Imo and Kogi states.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Saturday conducted governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States. While the collation of results had been concluded and winners declared in Imo and Kogi, the electoral process in Bayelsa is yet to be concluded.
Speaker Abbas said Governor Uzodinma, who was reelected for a second term, and Ododo, who will take over Dr Governor Yahaya Bello, worked hard and deserved their victories.
He said their victories were a testament to the growing popularity of the APC across the country, noting that the people of Imo and Kogi states have made the right choice.
The Speaker urged the winners to be magnanimous in victory by extending hands of fellowship to their opponents, towards good governance for the betterment of the people of their respective states.
He called on the political parties and candidates who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the polls to exercise their legitimate right by following the right channel to challenging the results in court.
While describing Nigeria’s democracy as nascent, the Speaker noted that the electoral process has been getting better over the years, especially since the return to democracy in 1999.
He tasked the electoral umpire to advance the electoral process, noting that the 10th National Assembly would do everything within its powers to improve the electoral atmosphere via enabling legislation.