Nigeria - Officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have conceded defeat to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Edo, and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Niger, two of the states where the opposition made good in the National Assembly (NASS) vote on April 9. The Edo PDP on Tuesday accepted the result of the election, a gracious attitude first displayed four days ago by House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole (PDP), who accepted defeat in Ogun and congratulated his opponent. Olagunsoye Oyinlola (PDP) also congratulated his ACN Senatorial rival who knocked him out in Osun. Edo PDP Chairman, Dan Orbih, said although the party is investigating 'misgivings over some certain areas across the state' during the election, the result is a true reflection of the wishes of the people.

The PDP won Edo Central Senatorial Distrist but lost Edo North and Edo South to the ACN.

Senator Ehigie Uzamere (ACN) beat Daisy Danjuma (PDP) for Edo South and also broke the jinx of Senators from the district serving just one term.

In Edo North, Domingo Obende (ACN) defeated Yisa Braimoh (PDP) while Senator Odion Ugbesia (PDP) triumphed against Herbettar Okonofua (ACN) in Edo Central.

Orbih commended PDP members for their orderly conduct during the ballot, and stressed that 'we accept the wishes of Edo people as expressed on Saturday April 9. We congratulate all elected candidates, most especially our Senator and members of the House of Representatives.

He also applauded the INEC and the security agencies for the manner in which they discharged their responsibilities.

State ACN Publicity Secretary, Dan Owegie, also expressed appreciation to voters who ensured the party's victory, which is 'dedicated to God Almighty and the good people of Edo who have demonstrated their love and passion for the ACN.'

He said the resolve of voters to support the party confirms their appreciation of the 'giant strides' of the administration led by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

'Your belief and support for our government through your open acclamation for ACN last Saturday has further energised us to serve you better.'

Owegie added that the ACN is further encouraged that the 'one man, one vote' campaign of Oshiomhole caught the attention of President Goodluck Jonathan who has now decided to keep godfathers out of business so that Nigeria can move forward.

According to Owegie, last Saturday's election proved wrong all those working against the development of Nigeria, as it has been adjudged to be largely credible, regardless of some shortcomings.

'We are optimistic that together, we would build an Edo State that all residents would be proud of, where roads will be motorable, public schools and hospitals will be of international standards, water will flow from the taps, and there will be wealth creation to boost employment of our teeming youths.'

In Niger State, the PDP lost one Senatorial and three House of Representatives seats to the CPC, yet conceded defeat in good faith.

Notably, Senator Nuhu Aliyu (PDP) was defeated in Niger North by Ibrahim Musa (CPC) 131,872 votes to 83,773.

Aliyu lost his bid to return to the Senate for a fourth term.

Regardless, Deputy Governor Ahmed Ibeto, who is from Niger North, congratulated Musa and the new CPC House of Representatives members.

Ibeto said the state government was impressed with the large turn out of voters whose choice reflected the wishes of the people.

He noted that the election was conducted in an orderly manner as voters waited patiently to cast their ballots, despite the late arrival of materials in some places.

'We are conceding defeat and congratulating the CPC members because, irrespective of the party platform, the fact remains that they are Nigerlites; and that is what matters most,' Ibeto added.

He enthused, however, that the PDP's dominance of Government House for the past 12 years is not under threat.

'Our chances are bright, most people say they don't have problem with the election of the Governor.'

Ibeto attributed the losses to the sophistication of the electorate who separate individual candidates from parties and refuse to be cajoled by the elite.

'The people and the system are getting sophisticated every day, all a party can do is to sell its candidate to the electorate like what is happening in developed democracies' where voters have the final say in who represents them at all levels.

To him, the NASS election has opened a new page in the annals of Nigeria's political history as it clearly shows that parties can only field candidates who have what it takes to win election.

It is not just about declaring the willingness to contest but getting the people's and party's support before doing so, he said, and 'Whoever wants to contest election has to be ready and parties can only present candidates who will.'

Also on Tuesday, former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Buba Marwa, and Senator Tunde Ogbeha gave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a pass mark for its performance in the first of the three days of election held last Saturday.

Abubakar expressed satisfaction with the smooth take off.

He told Daily Independent in a telephone interview that there is no indication yet to doubt the overall success of the vote, and he is hopeful for a successful transition.

He said there could be some hitches in some parts of the country, but 'this time around, we will get it right going by the arrangement put in place by the electoral body.

'If older democracies in the world could experience some problems in elections, Nigeria as a younger democracy is not doing badly. We are still in the learning process.'

Abubakar restated his confidence in the security agencies to ensure peace and order throughout the election period, and urged Nigerians to co-operate with them for a smooth exercise.

Marwa explained that there are bound to be hiccups in the first lap of the election.

He called on the electorate and INEC officials to correct such lapses in the remaining polls.

Ogbeha noted that enough mobilisation had been done at various levels for a massive turnout of voters.

He commended the performance of INEC officials, and urged politicians to continue to educate the electorate on how to thumbprint the ballot papers to minimise invalidation.

Francis Onoiribholo, Chinwendu Nnadozie And Mark Mayah

Daily Independent/13/04/2011