Alhaji Mohammed Nma Kolo has lauded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last governorship election, Alhaji Isah Liman Kantigi, for congratulating the Niger State governor-elect, Umar Mohammed Bago.
He stated this in a press release he issued on the governorship election held on 18 March and made available to Newscoven.ng.
Alhaji Kolo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Special Adviser (Political and Strategy) to Niger State Governor, was the agent of the APC candidate in the election.
Alhaji Kantigi had called the governor-elect to congratulate him, even as the collation of the results was ongoing, though it was obvious the then APC governorship candidate had won.
Alhaji Kolo said “it was heartwarming to hear about the call from the PDP candidate, Alhaji Kantigi, even when the collation was still ongoing.”
He described the gesture as a rare show of political maturity that should be emulated by whoever believed in the decision of the people through the ballot.
The APC chieftain further said, “with that kind of deep spirit of sportsmanship and maturity by Alhaji Kantigi, democracy in Nigeria has come of age.”
Kolo said there was dignity in the show of support extended to the winner of the election by Kantigi, assuring that it was well noted by the governor-elect, Bago, in the envisaged the all-inclusive governance in the state.
“I salute Kantigi’s courage and his commitment to the progress and development of Niger State, as enunciated by the governor-elect.
“I am sure that the governor-elect, Umar Mohammed Bago, appreciates that show of maturity,” Alhaji Kolo further stated.
He said the gesture of conceding defeat was a breathe of fresh air into the polity, noting that it has made it more important for the governor-elect to work with all the people of Niger State to achieve the desired goals of good governance.
Alhaji Kolo observed that a situation where those who lost elections condemn the process would not augur well for democracy in the state.
He therefore called on politicians who lost out in the 2023 elections to learn from the political sportsmanship exhibited by Alhaji Kantigi.
