Edo guber poll was free and fair, Akume says at FEC meeting

George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), says the Edo governorship election was free and fair.

Akume spoke on Monday in Abuja before the federal executive council (FEC) meeting went into a closed door session at the Aso Rock villa.

Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner of the poll on Sunday after a keen contest on Saturday.

The SGF said the APC had a “fantastic outing” during the election.

“We want to use this opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to congratulate the people of Edo States, particularly the APC family, properly guided by the – father of the APC, in their fantastic outing, recording a huge victory, which had eluded the APC for over eight years,” he said.

“The election has been adjudged to be free and fair and that is what Mr. President has always stood for it.

“We want to thank you, Mr. President, for being committed to the electoral process and ethos of democracy.

“Once again, we thank our family members of the APC from Edo state for this wonderful showing.”

FEC honoured Salome Jankada, a former minister of women Affairs and youth development who died in August.

“Mr. Chairman, we want to announce the demise of a former member of the Federal Executive Council, Mrs. Salome Audu Jankada,” the SGF said.

“Mr Salomi Audu Jankada was a member of the Federal Executive Council under the government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, she was Minister Of Women Affairs and Youth Development.

“She passed on on August 27, 2024. In line with our tradition, Mr. Chairman, may I please request Council members to rise and observe a minute silence in honour of the former federal executive council member.”

Thereafter, a moment of silence was held in her honour.