Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, following his reelection in Saturday’s off-cycle poll.

Uzodinma also extended his gratitude to the people of Imo State for supporting and voting him in Saturday’s election.

In a statement on his X handle on Sunday, Uzodinma urged other governorship candidates to join him in building and lifting the state.

The reelected governor commended security agencies for ensuring a peaceful election on Saturday.

According to Uzodinma: “I extend a hand to my fellow contenders from other parties, urging them to join me in a united effort to build and uplift our one and only dear State. In the spirit of inclusivity, we will operate a government that transcends political differences for the benefit of all.

“I express profound gratitude to every member of my team, our great party and every citizen of Imo for your unwavering support. Our State is progressing because of your collective efforts.

“I commend the Independent National Electoral Commission #inecnigeria and its officials for ensuring a fair and neutral electoral process.

“A special thanks to the leader of our great party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his fatherly guidance throughout the electioneering period.”

INEC had declared Uzodinma winner of the Imo election after he defeated other candidates including Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Athan Achonu of the Labour Party, LP.