Edo Election: My victory has ended Godfatherism – Obaseki

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party has said that his election victory has ended godfatherism in the state.

Speaking after he was declared winner of the Edo governorship election, Obaseki also commended the Edo people for his re-election, thereby described his re-election as “triumph over godfatherism”.

He said, “Words fail me in saluting our teeming supporters who displayed immense courage in the face of threats, intimidation, and brutalisation.

“The collective will of Edo people made it possible for us this triumph over godfatherism. Congratulations to Edo people.”

He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security services to perform their constitutional functions without interference.

According to Obaseki, INEC and the security services have shown Nigerians and the world that they are capable of conducting free and credible elections.

He saluted the teeming supporters who he said displayed courage in the face of threats. stressing that the collective will of the Edo people made it possible.

He said: “I am eternally grateful to my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and my brother governors, not only for giving us the umbrella but for the hard work which has brought me back to the office.

“Our success has been reinforced by the belief that there is nothing that we cannot achieve as a people if we collectively work together and call on God.

“In conclusion, I reiterate to all of you today that working with my deputy, Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, we are committed to making Edo great again.

“Thank you all and thank you for your support”.

The Independent National Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, had declared Obaseki winner of the governorship election.

Obaseki of PDP polled 307,955 votes to defeat his closest rival, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, of the All Progressives Congress, who got 223,619 votes.