President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Mr Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, on securing a second term in office.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Obaseki winner of the September 19 governorship election on Sunday.

Obaseki, who contested on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 307,955 votes, while Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 223,619 votes.

The incumbent governor won in 13 local government areas (LGAs) to defeat Ize-Iyamu, who won in five.

In a statement issued on Sunday by presidential spokesman, Mr Garba Shehu, Buhari said he is committed to free and fair elections because it is the bedrock of true democracy.

He also urged Obaseki to celebrate in humility.

“My commitment to free and fair elections is firm, because without free and fair elections, the foundation of our political and moral authority will be weak,” Buhari said.

“I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democracy.

“Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with.”

The president also commended the people of Edo state, the parties, candidates and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly during the exercise.

Obaseki will be sworn in for another tenure in office in November.

The Cable