The Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday formally declared Buni the winner of the Saturday governorship election in Yobe State.
In a statement issued on Monday, Lawan who hails from Yobe, described the outcome of the poll as a “well-deserved victory” for Buni and the ruling All Progressives’ Congress.
He said, “I heartily congratulate my dear friend and brother, the Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, on his re-election for a second term.
“I also congratulate our great party, the All Progressives’ Congress, on the renewal of our mandate to continue delivering progressive governance to our people across Yobe State.”
Lawan noted that the victory was, above all, for the good people of Yobe State who had freely renewed the mandate they gave in 2019.
He stated, “For our governor and party, this is a well-deserved victory from a keenly contested poll.
“Fellow Yobeans, you have again made a resounding statement of your full confidence in the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
“I can assure you that our governor will in the next four years remain on the same path of good governance for the progress of Yobe State and the well-being of our people.”
“I want to assure Your Excellency too that the people of Yobe State will continue to support your mission to take our state to a greater height,” Lawan added.
In a related development, the former Yobe North senatorial candidate and APC chieftain in the state, Bashir Machina, also congratulated Governor Buni on his victory, saying that it broadly reflected the choice of the people of Yobe State.
Machina stated that the winning streak of the APC in the state had again demonstrated the quality of leadership of Governor Buni and commended the people for keeping faith with the party.
He said, “People of Yobe State have, by their conduct, visibly appreciated the sterling achievements of Governor Mai Mala Buni and hence decided to renew his mandate”.
“I urge you therefore, Your Excellency, to reciprocate their trust by redoubling your efforts in providing more dividends of democracy across the nooks and crannies of Yobe State.”
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for a job well-done and appealed to other contestants to accept the will of the people in good faith.
