victory in the just-concluded governorship elections to the hard work
of Governor Peter Obi.
Mr Obiano, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance
(APGA), was declared winner of the Anambra State elections by the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.
He said the commitment of the outgoing governor in bringing about
development in the state assisted his party in ensuring his victory.
"The governor's good work actually led us to victory and I must
commend him for his exemplary show of support," he said.
He also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for ensuring credible
polls in the state and assured him of his unflinching support.
Also reacting, Governor Obi expressed gratitude to President Jonathan
for "remaining committed to democracy, fair play, free and credible
election in the state".
"For us in APGA, we have every reason to show appreciation to
President Jonathan because this is the second time after 2010 that he
is ensuring credible polls," he said. "He is our presidential
candidate and we will continue to give him support."
INEC had declared Mr Obiano the winner of the contest after polling
180,178 votes while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate,
Tony Nwoye, had 97,700 votes to emerge second.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Chris Ngige, with
95,963 votes, placed third; while Ifeanyi Ubah, of Labour Party (LP),
scored 37,495 votes.
Agents of the APC and LP governorship candidates were conspicuously
absentat the supplementary election held in 209 polling units across
16 local government areas on Saturday.
The declaration of Mr Obiano as winner of the polls followed the
completion of the supplementary election in the state on Saturday in
areas where election did not hold on November 16..
Jonathan reacts
President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated Mr Obianoon Sunday.
A statement by presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, quotes Mr
Jonathan as urging the governor-elect to dedicate himself to "building
on the laudable achievements of his illustrious predecessor, Mr Peter
Obi".
"The president also urges Chief Obiano to commit himself fully to the
further socio-economic development of all parts of Anambra State and
the protection of the interests of all citizens of the state
irrespective of their party affiliations or political loyalties," the
statement said. "To promote greater peace, unity and harmony within
the state, President Jonathan calls on Chief Obiano to ensure that his
incoming administration carries all stakeholders along in its bid to
move Anambra forward."
The statement also quotes the president as assuring Mr Obiano that the
federal government under his leadership will continue to work with the
Anambra State government and all other state governments to achieve
better living conditions for all Nigerians.
"Having also noted complaints about the conduct of the governorship
elections in Anambra, President Jonathan calls on all aggrieved
persons to keep their bids for redress within the bounds of legality,
decorum and acceptable political conduct in conformity with the
principles of democracy and the rule of law," the statement added.
Ohaneze congratulates APGA, INEC
The state's chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo congratulated Mr Obiano and INEC
for what it called a "very successful election".
Chris Elumunoh, the group's leader in the state, said that the people
of the state also deserved praises for being calm and orderly during
the exercise.
He said only one governor could lead the state at a time and urged all
aggrieved parties to exhibit the spirit of good sportsmanship.
"Ohaneze wants the people of Anambra and those who lost the election
to accept the outcome and assist in moving the state forward," he
said.
He urged Obiano not to bear grudges against anyone, and asked him to
rather carry everybody along, including the opposition, in the
interest of the state.
"The outgoing governor, Peter Obi, has done well for the state and I
urge the governor-elect to strive to surpass his achievements,'' he
said.
'APGA's success is due to voting beyond parochial motives'
Chigbo Enwezor, a lawmaker in Anambra State, on Sunday in Onitsha,
said that APGA's success at the just-concluded governorship election
was because the electorate looked beyond parochial motives while
voting.
Mr Enwezor (APGA), who is representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency in
the Anambra House of Assembly, said that the electorate went all out
to vote without attaching sentiment to their judgement.
"I want to thank Anambra electorate, as well as members of PDP, APC
and LP parties that looked beyond cheap sentiments, political and
newspaper propaganda to vote for APGA," he said. "It is clear that the
people can see the purposeful and developmental leadership APGA had
given the state in the past eight years. And they voted for continuity
in development and provision of social welfare."
The lawmaker said that APGA would always operate an open and
people-oriented government.
"With this victory, our party's door is wide open to welcome our
brothers and sisters from other parties," he said. "We call on them to
join us to continue to move the state forward since APGA always runs
an all-inclusive government. Nationally, APGA is known for
developmental politics. We are calling on all that have progressive
mind to join us as we take development in the state higher."
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