President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki for winning the just concluded election in Edo State.

He also urged him to show grace and humility in victory.

In a statement today, Buhari also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission in its handling of the election process in the State.

“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.”

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

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

He commended the people of Edo State, the parties, candidates and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has rejected the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The party in a statement issued by the Chairman of its Media Campaign Council, John Mayaki, alleged strong- arm tactics by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It accused the PDP of tampering with results.

The APC, however, urged its members to stay calm while party leaders study the results and decide on the next move.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Governor Godwin Obaseki as winner of the governorship election after he polled 307,955 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who recorded 223,619 votes.

The statement read: “Our people were arbitrarily arrested, many of the figures were fabricated.

 “Areas where we won, they cancelled them. They decreased the votes in areas we had advantages. They rejected our results and jerked up theirs.

“Obaseki shouted that he was being rigged out and blamed INEC at the initial stage but that was to divert attention from the evil going on in the field.

“The party leaders would announce their decision and course of action as soon as possible.”

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has thanked his supporters for their support. He also complained about the alleged ‘evil’ his voters faced in the course of exercising their franchise.

In his verified Twitter account @pastorizeiyamu he lamented that had to endure many evils including being prevented from voting and assured them of announcing his next move soon.

 “I thank and appreciate my supporters, who had to endure many evils including being prevented from voting, for their support and determination during the election. I assure you all that I am studying the results along with other party members and will announce my next move soon,” Ize-Iyamu tweeted.