The All Progressives Congress has commended President Bola Tinubu for defending Nigeria’s democracy by maintaining neutrality in Saturday’s Anambra governorship election.

The party’s spokesman in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, gave the commendation in a statement on Monday.

According to him, Mr Tinubu’s stance demonstrates his commitment to credible elections and the deepening of democracy.

“The president has once again shown that he remains the most credible defender of Nigeria’s democracy by encouraging transparency and refusing to interfere in the electoral process,” Mr Oladejo said.

Mr Oladejo said the president’s decision not to interfere in the poll reaffirmed his reputation as a true democrat and strengthened public confidence in the electoral system.

He also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent election.

According to him, the conduct of the election under the new INEC leadership reflects a bold and refreshing new dawn in Nigeria’s democratic experience. He added that the outcome of the Anambra election revealed the disunity and lack of structure within the opposition coalition.

Mr Oladejo said the election exposed the “paper-thin” nature of the coalition, which he described as a gathering of “political wanderers and competing egoists”.

According to him, the result shows that the so-called coalition lacks vision, organisation, and national appeal.

“A group that cannot win in its own stronghold should stop dreaming of national victory,” he said.

Mr Oladejo added that while the opposition searches for excuses, the APC will continue to focus on governance and reforms aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said the ruling party remained the only political organisation with national depth, structure, and discipline.

“The Anambra election is a warning to the opposition that the era of emotional blackmail is over,” he said.

INEC declared Governor Charles Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, winner of the Saturday governorship election after polling 422,664 votes.

Mr Soludo’s closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu, of the APC, garnered 99,445 votes. Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party came third with 37,753 votes, while John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress scored 8,208 votes.

George Moghalu of the Labour Party and Jude Ezenwafor of the PDP scored 10,576 votes and 1,401 votes, respectively. 

(NAN)