The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the just concluded election, Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Peter Obi have congratulated the governor of Rivers, Nyesom Wike on his re-election.

Wike won the election with 886,264 votes, while Mr Biokpomabo Awara of the African Alliance Congress (AAC) who came second scored 173,859 votes

Atiku in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja described Wike’s victory as hard earned re-election.

“It gives me much pleasure to see a political force for good, such as yourself, overcome the anti-democratic forces of dictatorship and oppression.

“The PDP is blessed to have a political gladiator, such as yourself on our side.

” I am favoured to count you, Gov. Wike, as my friend and brother, and Rivers as my second home.”

Atiku said that as Wike’s was savoured by men of goodwill all over Nigeria, he was sure that the governor would continue the pattern of good works for which he had become known for.

“Nigeria needs men like you. Men who can remain firm, unbowed and resolute in the face of trying times.

“You have proved that you have character under trial, and not just when the going is good.

“Such refinement will stand you in good stead as, by the grace of God, you finish the good work you have started in Rivers.”

On his part, Obi, in a statement issued by his Media Office said that all lovers of democracy must salute the resilience of the people of Rivers who stood in defence of their votes.

He said that the people would not have been bigoted to Gov. Wike if he had not made appreciable impact in their lives through delivery of good governance.

He advised Wike to remain focused on the delivery of democracy dividends to his people and not get distracted by the needless bickering and provocation that greeted the election.

The former Anambra governor said that the people of Rivers didn’t need to go through the stress given the outstanding performance of their governor in the last four years.(NAN)

The Lagos State governor-elect, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, on Sunday thanked residents of the state for electing him in the March 9 elections.

Addressing party stakeholders in Ikeja after he was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Sanwo-olu said he was honoured by the overwhelming support of residents.

He said though the victory carries his name, his success in the election was actually victory for all residents.

Sanwo-olu said that he viewed the mandate given to him as a call to service to improve the lives of the people.

“INEC has released the results for the governorship election in Lagos State and this means the people have spoken and clearly too.

“I accept the mandate given to me and I understand that it bestows the most profound honour and sober responsibility on me.

“I thank and commend those who contributed to this campaign. You have laboured and toiled countless hours and done so much.

“You have exerted yourself not just for me but because you believe in the vision we share.

“You are too numerous to name at this time; in the next few days, I wish to personally thank each one of you for this progressive and collective efforts.

“Most of all, I must commend the voters and honour them, though this victory bears my name, the victory actually belongs to you dear Lagosians,” he said.

Sanwo-olu thanked the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), both at the state and national levels, for suporting him.

He said he was particularly grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the party National Chairman for believing in his vision.

Sanwo-olu said he would not disappoint those who had invested their trust in him, as he was focussed on development.

He faulted what he called unhealthy statements and actions made by some of his rivals before the election.

Sanwo-olu said some of those statements and actions were capable of causing disunity in the state and peaceful co-existence.

He said it was time for all to put the pre-election politics aside and join him in efforts to birth a better Lagos.

NAN reports that his running mate in the election, Dr Obafemi Hsmzat, the party chairman in the state, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, and other party members were with him.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the State Returning Officer, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, while declaring the results, said Sanwo-olu polled 739,445 votes to defeat Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 206,141 votes, and other contestants.

Following the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the just concluded presidential elections, some Imo residents have expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the elections.

Respondents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri said the results showed the readiness of Nigerians for better leadership.

Chinedu Ibenegbu, a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Imo, commended Nigerians for voting President Buhari, while urging him to perfect his fight against corruption.

Similarly, Ikechi Anyanwu, a resident of Owerri, said Nigerians had chosen the “better man” for the position, he urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to accept the results and support the president in his efforts to improve the country.

Chinedu Durueke, another resident of Owerri, also urged Nigerians to continue to support the president, adding that his re-election would ensure his “good works” are uninterrupted.

However, some respondents described the election results as “manipulated” and called for the elections to be cancelled.

Tony Iwuchukwu, a teacher, alleged that the elections were surrounded by irregularities, and should be cancelled.

Iwuchukwu called for an investigation of the claims of electoral malpractice in different parts of the country, to ensure the right thing is done.

He added that the areas that were declared inconclusive or scheduled for re-run should be concluded before declaring a winner.

Mrs Chinwe Uzo, claimed that the candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, had been shortchanged, alleging that the results emanating from the South-East had been reduced.

She called for a re-run of the elections and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, to ensure that it is free and fair for all parties involved.