Losers shouldn’t resort to self-help, says Buhari as he congratulates Fayemi

President Muhammadu Buhari says the emergence of Kayode Fayemi as the winner of the Ekiti state gubernatorial election is another instance of democracy winning in Nigeria.

Fayemi defeated Kolapo Olusola, the incumbent deputy governor of the state, who ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In his congratulatory message issued by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari said the people of Ekiti “spoke loud and clear” by voting in Fayemi.

He also advised the losers of the election not to resort to self-help.

The president also congratulated all the members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for “the hard-fought victory after a dignified campaign.”

“President Buhari urges the governor-elect and APC members to be magnanimous in victory as the incoming administration prepares to unfold a new lease of life for the people of Ekiti state through purposeful and responsible governance,” the statement read.

“He commends the people of the state for their matured and peaceful conduct as they made their choice using the power of the ballot.

“President Buhari also lauds the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for adequate preparations and displaying impartiality throughout the process.

“He applauds the security agencies for creating the right atmosphere for the relatively peaceful conduct of the polls and urges them to sustain the peace.

“He also commends local and international observers and monitors for their vigilance and contributions towards the relatively hitch-free exercise.

“The president urges the losers to be gallant in conceding defeat and use constitutional means to settle whatever grievances they may have rather than resort to self-help.

“President Buhari appeals to all stakeholders in Ekiti State to work towards a successful transition to a new administration in the higher interest of not only the state but the entire nation and its fledgling democratic experience.”

Fayemi’s victory leaves PDP with no hold on any south-west state, a development that favours Buhari’s 2019 re-election bid.