After the contentious presidential election in which he was declared the winner on Wednesday, the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has extended an olive branch to his rivals, Peoples Democratic Party candidate Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
Tinubu stated that conciliation and inclusive governance must now replace political competition.
After receiving 8,794,726 votes, the former senator was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Tinubu was named the winner by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at the International Collation Centre in Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday.
However, agents from the PDP, LP, and New Nigeria Peoples Party left the room and refused to sign the presidential election results sheet.
After accusing INEC of compromise and insisting that the election should be canceled and a new poll conducted, they rejected Tinubu’s election as president-elect.
Around 4 p.m., the commission gave the certificates of return to Kashim Shettima, the vice president-elect, and Tinubu.
On May 29, 2023, Tinubu and Shettima are expected to be sworn in as Nigeria’s President and Vice President, respectively.
Tinubu assured Nigerians in his acceptance speech that he would serve Nigeria with all of his resources and serve as chief servant.
“I will work for you; be a servant rather than a leader. Tinubu declared shortly after he was declared the winner of the presidential poll at the headquarters of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, “I will work with you to make Nigeria a great country.”
Abdullahi Adamu, the APC National Chairman, the vice president-elect, and APC governors, among others, attended the event.
He thanked his fellow contestants and pleaded with them to collaborate with him for the benefit of the nation, noting that although they might have been his opponents in the election, they had never been his enemies.
“Finally, I thank the Nigerian people for their enduring belief in our democracy,” Tinubu said. I will lead with fairness for all Nigerians. I will be in tune with your goals, energize you, and make use of your skills to build a nation of which we can be proud.
“I extend the hand of friendship to my fellow candidates, former Vice President Atiku, former governor Kwankwaso, former governor Obi, and all others. This campaign was intensely competitive. I greatly respect you. Let’s work together and collaborate. I swear to collaborate with you. Conciliation and inclusive governance must now replace political competition.
Tinubu went on to say that some of the candidates might have trouble accepting the results of the election.
Court of law The President-elect stated, “What is neither right nor defensible is for anyone to resort to violence,” claiming that it is their right to seek legal help. The courts should handle any challenge to the election result, not the streets.
I also ask my supporters to maintain peace and reduce tensions. Our campaign was progressive, peaceful, and based on principles. Our campaign’s aftermath must be similar to that.
Yes, we are divided in ways that shouldn’t be there. 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. Let us begin to heal our nation and restore peace.
The former governor of Lagos State praised Nigerians, particularly those who cast ballots for opposition parties, claiming that their actions contributed to the strengthening of democracy in the nation.
He said, “Now, to you, the young people of this country, I hear you loud and clear,” addressing the youths. I can empathize with your aches and longings for stable government, a thriving economy, and a secure nation that safeguards you and your future.
“I am aware that for many of you, Nigeria has developed into a place of persistent difficulties that limit your capacity to envision a bright future for yourself. The harmonious efforts of everyone, particularly the young people, are necessary for remodeling our prized national residence. Cooperating, we will move this country as at no other time.”
According to Tinubu, both he and Shettima were aware of the difficulties that lay ahead and prepared to take on the challenging responsibilities that would propel the nation forward.
Please give us a chance first before holding us accountable. He promised that “we shall jointly construct a brighter and more productive society for today, tomorrow, and for years to come.”
He continued, “You voted for a better, more hopeful nation, and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy, regardless of whether you are Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or have any other political affiliation.”
“You made the decision to put your faith in the democratic vision of a Nigeria based on shared prosperity and the values of unity, justice, peace, and tolerance. In Nigeria, hope has returned.
He praised INEC for “running a free and fair election” and argued that the few errors that did happen were minor and had no effect on the outcome.
After receiving his return certificate, Tinubu promised to work tirelessly for the country’s improvement, pointing out, however, that this cannot be accomplished alone.