Anyim Pius Lauds Obaseki’s Election Victory, Says Edo People Have Spoken

Nigeria’s former senate president and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, has described the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State as victory for democracy.

Anyim said Obaseki’s defeat of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who had the backing of a two-time governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, was proof that the Edo people were fully in support of his determination to “enthrone the finest democratic culture” in the state.

Obaseki, who contested the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had defeated Ize-Iyamu who came second by a margin of over 84,000 votes.

He polled 307,955 votes while the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate scored 223,619 votes.

Obaseki, a former protégé of Oshiomhole, had dumped the APC to seek his re-election under the PDP after the latter withdrew support for him.

Anyim, who is a chieftain of the PDP, congratulated Governor Obaseki in a message he personally signed.

He wrote, “My dear Gov. Obaseki. Today, Edo people have spoken in support of your forthrightness, commitment to the cause of the people and determination to enthrone the finest democratic culture.

“Your victory is therefore victory for Edo people and democracy. May God grant you the wisdom to continue to serve the people of Edo state. Congratulations,” said the former SGF.