The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and of course the current governor of Edo state winner of the states gubernatorial election.
Some Nigerians have mocked National Leader of All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu following the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the just-concluded governorship election in Edo State.
Obaseki, who contested on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defeated his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamh with a total of 307,857 votes.
INEC returning officer for the election declared Obaseki the winner after polling the highest votes as mandated by law.
Nigerians have taken to social media rejoicing over the re-election of Obaseki, describing it an end to godfatherism.
Part of the success is because the US and UK government has placed travel restrictions on Nigerians who undermine “democratic process or organize election-related violence” during elections.
This move follows a decision in January 2019 to deny visas to individuals involved in electoral violence. Last year travel restrictions were also placed on individuals who were involved in corruption and electoral violence during the country’s general elections in February – March 2019.
The lastest visa restrictions affect “individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles,” Morgan Ortagus, a US State Department spokeswoman, said in a statement announcing the restrictions Monday.
“We condemn the acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption that harmed Nigerians and undermined the democratic process.”