Former President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on their victory in the Ondo State governorship election held on Saturday.
In a statement released on Sunday by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, Buhari praised the electorate for expressing their confidence in the APC and the incumbent governor through the ballot box. “The voters have spoken lucidly and loudly,” he said, emphasizing the importance of respecting the will of the people in a democratic system.
A Call to Action for Governor Aiyedatiwa
Buhari described the outcome as a testament to the strength of Nigeria’s democracy, which he said is resilient despite the nation’s size and diversity. He, however, urged Aiyedatiwa to focus on addressing critical economic challenges, including:
- Implementing policies that drive economic growth.
- Combating unemployment and tackling rising inflation.
- Advancing welfare programs to improve the lives of citizens.
Acknowledgment of Electoral Process Improvements
The former president also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their efforts to address shortcomings observed in previous elections.
Opposition Response and Challenges Ahead
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the election results, citing alleged irregularities, while the APC has dismissed these claims. Despite the controversy, Buhari expressed optimism for a successful tenure for Governor Aiyedatiwa and his administration.
This endorsement marks a continued focus on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes and governance in the wake of tightly contested elections.