The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on his victory in the Edo State governorship election.
The council also said that it is another victory for democracy which will go a long way in deepening the nation’s electoral process.
IPAC spokesperson Mrs. Chinyere Kalu in a statement said that the good people of Edo State have spoken with their votes and expressed their confidence in the APC candidate, Senator Okpebholo.
“It is a clarion call to serve,” Kalu said.
IPAC urges him to be magnanimous in victory, reach out to other contestants and run an inclusive government that will transform the State and improve the people’s wellbeing.
Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, emerged victorious with 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 247,274 votes.
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The Council urged all aggrieved political parties and their candidates to “explore their fundamental rights of using appropriate redress mechanisms even though we witnessed a peaceful election.
“The winner-takes-it-all syndrome has been the bane of Nigerian politics and government. This should be jettisoned in the quest for sustainable democracy and development in the country.
“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties, IPAC will continue to consolidate and deepen democracy by ensuring an environment conducive for successful elections, political stability and well-being of Nigerians.”
Council urges INEC to improve on its Edo governorship performance in the November 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election, adding that, “There is no substitute for credible elections. The people’s votes must count and their mandates respected by all stakeholders in the political process.
“Once more, congratulations to the good people of Edo State. Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. Together we will deepen it to yield its fruits and dividends to citizens.”
