Off-cycle Polls: Buhari, PDP Governors, Arewa Groups Commend INEC

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) on winning the governorship elections in Imo and Kogi States.

He expressed his appreciation to the people of the two states for reaffirming their confidence in the nation’s biggest political party.

The former president in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu thanked party leaders and the workers who ensured the re-emergence of Senator Hope Uzodimma for his second term in Imo State, and Usman Ododo as the new Governor of Kogi State.

“My best wishes to them for their tenure,” the former President said.

Similarly, the governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), called PDP Governors Forum, congratulated Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, on his reelection.

The governors of the opposition party also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring integrity of the process in the state.

The director general of the forum, Hon CID Maduabum, said the good stewardship by the Governor in his first term in office won the people’s votes.

“It was a well fought and well-deserved victory. A victory and validation for hard work, good governance engendered by enthroning a culture of peaceful coexistence, unity, progressive and people oriented, and people driven agenda.”

“We commend the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for ensuring the integrity of the election through the proper usage of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in instilling public confidence in the electoral process.”

Also, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) described the conduct of the off-cycle governorship polls as credible and fair.

According to the AYCF president, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the elections were free, fair, and credible.

While noting the effort of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Shettima praised the INEC chairman Mahmoud Yakubu for ensuring that the polls were flawless and that the integrity of the Commission was restored.

“The AYCF also noted that the voters in Kogi State had rejected the tradition of relying on handouts and instead chose a competent successor to continue with Yahaya Bello’s leadership that would provide a more secure future for their children”.

NEN also acknowledged INEC’s effort in ensuring “a flawless election.”

NEN, in a statement signed by its chairman, Suleiman Abbah, also commended security agencies for being neutral and providing secure environments for voters to exercise their civic rights freely during the recent elections.

He said “The fact that this result was accepted by political leaders and voters across the spectrum is a testament to the growing maturity and commitment to democracy. As an organization committed to promoting free, fair, and transparent elections, the NEN urges all political stakeholders and citizens of Kogi State to work together in harnessing the potential brought about by this historic election.

“Their commendable neutrality and dedication to maintaining a secure environment allowed voters to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation” he stressed.