President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to only focus on winning elections but also consider delivering their campaign promises to the people.
He gave the admonition during a meeting with Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and Kogi State Governor-Elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Friday.
President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the election results, which he described as "free, fair, and peaceful," and praised the governors.
The President was quoted as saying, “You worked hard for this victory. I am very proud of you, but the real challenge has only started, and it will stare you in the face. That is the challenge of good governance. Make sure that everyone is carried along. You are now the servants of the people. To God be all the glory for the victories, and may God guide you.
“Once the people of Nigeria and their concerns are the focal point of your plans and actions, not only will governance be easier for you, but you will enhance the value of your states, and the masses will have new opportunities to grow and enjoy a new standard of living. This must be your driving focus as governors, especially as governors elected on the platform of our great party.”
“Two out of three is not a bad way to start. We will focus not only on winning elections but on delivering for the people. They are sovereign, and when we achieve what we promise, voters will respect us. We will work with you at the sub-national levels, upholding the strength and superior excellence symbolised by the eagle on our coat of arms,” he added.
The National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who led the Governors-elect and APC stalwarts to meet with President Tinubu, stated that the party’s candidates conducted themselves with integrity as directed by the President during the elections. He also mentioned that the party had conceded victory to the opposition in Bayelsa State.
The ruling APC Chairman said,, “We lost the election in Bayelsa, and we have conceded in good faith. You directed that the elections should be free, fair, and peaceful, and it was so.”
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, the Imo State Governor, Uzodinma, expressed gratitude to the President for providing strong and purposeful leadership at the centre, which enabled and energized their campaigns.
He added, “We won because of the leadership you demonstrated. The country was struggling, but the economy has been responding to the reforms and rapid-response strategy you have put in place.”