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By Victor Ahiuma-Young, Vincent Ujumadu, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Nwabueze Okonkwo

ABUJA—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has commended Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State on his victory in the 18th November governorship election in the state.

President Buhari also commended the people of Anambra State, other governorship candidates in the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, election observers as well as security agencies and other stakeholders, on the peaceful conduct of the election.

This came as Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, pleaded with other candidates who lost to in the spirit of sportsmanship, to concede victory to Mr Obiano, commending INEC and the people of Anambra State on the success of the election which returned Governor Willie Obiano as governor.

Meanwhile, President Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, yesterday said, “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.”

He particularly expressed delight at the conduct of the candidates post-election results, describing it as “heart-warming and a renewal of confidence in the sanctity of the ballot which deepens our nation’s democracy.”

President Buhari urged INEC to improve on areas of logistics as the nation braces for coming governorship elections and the main general elections in 2019.

The President while congratulating Governor Willie Obiano on his re-election, 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 was ready to work with him for the greater harmony, peace and development of not only Anambra State but the entire country.

NLC begs other candidates

On its Part, NLC in a statement by its President, Ayuba Wabba, insisted that the election, in spite of initial glitches, especially at its early stage, had been adjudged by not a few to be substantially peaceful, transparent, credible, fair and a representation of the wishes of the electorate.

The statement read: “We at the Nigeria Labour Congress wish to congratulate the people of Anambra State as well as commend INEC for a hugely successful election. The election in spite of initial glitches, especially at its early stage has been adjudged by not a few to be substantially peaceful, transparent, credible, fair and a representation of the wishes of the electorate.

“The outcome of this election has come as a pleasant surprise to APGA and non-APGA members against the background of threats by IPOB to disrupt the election and fears in some quarters that there might be executive interference as in the days of yore when membership of the ruling party conferred automatic victory. We urge INEC to build on this success in subsequent elections as its credibility is key to the success or outcome of elections.

DA candidate lauds Obiano’s victory

As if heeding the NLC’s advice, the flag bearer of Democratic Alternative, DA, in the election, Nze Ugo-Akpe Onwuka, congratulated Governor Willie for his victory at the poll.

In a statement issued in Awka, Onwuka noted that out of fair-play, it was necessary for other contestants including himself to congratulate Obiano because it was not an easy task for him to beat 36 other candidates in a keenly contested election.

Minimal breaches

In the meantime, Centre for Law Enforcement Education in Nigeria, CLEEN, a non- governmental organization, which was one of the groups that monitored the poll has published the report of its findings during the election, saying that the election was held under tight security with minimal security breaches.

Project leader and assistant programme manager of the organization, Chigozirim Okoro, who read the report in Awka said the outcome was largely in line with the conclusion of the Foundation’s Security Threat Assessment for 2017.

The report said in part: “Overall, the conduct of security agents during the elections is commendable, especially in the discharge of their duties at the patrol bits, polling units, and collation centres.”

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