On Wednesday, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), and the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, urged the People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party to seek redress in court rather than resort to violence over their claims that Saturday’s presidential election was marred by rigging.
During the collation of the results, the opposition parties demanded the election be canceled and asked the Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, to resign because they believed the election was rigged in favor of the ruling party.
However, in response to the allegations, the President issued a statement on Wednesday requesting that the opposition party present their case to the court.
Bring the evidence if any candidate believes they can demonstrate the fraud they claim was committed against them. No matter how difficult it may be for the losers to accept, we must conclude that the election was indeed the people’s will if they cannot. Please take it to the courts rather than the streets if they feel the need to challenge.
“However, if they do the latter, it indicates that they are not acting in the best interest of the people but rather to agitate, to put people in danger, and to do so for their own, purely private gain.
“It is now time to come together and act responsibly after a degree of polarization that always comes with an election. I encourage each and every candidate to keep in mind the peace pledge they made just a few days before the election. Do not damage INEC’s credibility. Let us now proceed together. “The people have spoken,” Buhari stated in a statement that was signed by Garba Shehu, his spokesman.
In addition, during the election, the president-elect urged his rivals not to use violence but to seek justice.
Political conciliation and inclusive governance must now replace political competition.
Although you were my opponent during the election, you were never my enemy. You are, in my heart, my brothers.
However, I am aware that some candidates may find it difficult to accept the election results. You are entitled to take legal action. The use of violence by anyone is neither moral nor justifiable.
“A court of law, not the streets, should be used to challenge the outcome of an election.
Additionally, I appeal to my supporters to allow peace to prevail and tensions to subside. Our campaign was progressive, peaceful, and based on principles. Our campaign’s aftermath must be similar to that.
Yes, we do have disagreements that shouldn’t exist. A lot of people are confused, angry, and hurt; I get in touch with each of you. At this crucial juncture, allow the best aspects of our humanity to shine through. In his acceptance speech, Tinubu said, “Let us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation.”