#KogiDecides: Buhari congratulates Bello on his reelection

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello on his victory at Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Bello was on Monday, declared winner of the state’s governorship election, winning a second term in office in an election marred by violence.

Buhari in his congratulatory message said it was a race well run and well won.

“Congratulations to Governor Yahaya Bello on his re-election. It was a race well run and a victory well won. I urge him to see his renewed mandate as another opportunity to build on the foundations already laid towards improving the lives of the people of Kogi State,” he said.

“I commend INEC & security agencies for discharging their responsibilities under difficult conditions. The violence that took place, and loss of lives, by thugs doing the bidding of their political sponsors, is condemnable. There is no room in our democracy for electoral violence.

“I commiserate with the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives. All political actors and stakeholders must take deliberate steps to eschew electoral violence as a peaceful and orderly process is vital to our quest for enduring democracy.

“Let me enjoin Governor Bello to imbibe the spirit of magnanimity in victory by extending a hand of partnership to opposition candidates, and also ask that all those dissatisfied with the outcome of the election should, in seeking redress, approach the courts.’