President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has implored his major opponents in last Saturday’s presidential poll, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) and other candidates, to bury political as well as other divides to work with him in building a greater Nigeria.
He specifically told them as well as the citizens that his heart and door were open to all, saying his victory in last Saturday’s presidential poll cannot simply be a victory for one man or even one party, but must become a victory for all Nigerians who are committed to a greater society.
He promised not to disappoint Nigerians, vowing to pay attention to their education, welfare with the utmost creativity, just as he assured them that they would see the reward of electing him.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in the early hours of Wednesday declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the presidential election.
Tinubu who trounced 17 other candidates to clinch victory scored a total of 8,794,726 votes to fulfill the first constitutional requirement to be declared winner of the poll.
He also scored over 25 per cent of the votes cast in 30 states, more than the 24 states constitutionally required, to defeat Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who came second with a total of 6,984,520 votes, while Peter Obi of the Labour Party came third with a total of 6,101,533 votes, with Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) coming fourth with 1,496,687 votes.
Assemble Your Economic Team Now, Experts Tell Tinubu
Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, who arrived at the National Collation Centre (NCC) at exactly 3:27 pm yesterday, received their certificates of return (CoR).
He was called to the podium for the official presentation and signing of the certificate by INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, at 3:42 pm.
The vice president-elect, Shettima, who was called to the podium at 3:45 for the presentation, officially signed the certificate at 3:49.
Speaking after Shettima had received his certificate of return from the INEC, Tinubu said politics must give way for nation-building.
He noted that his victory should not be seen as personal, even as he maintained that for progress to be made all Nigerians must undertake to be part of the task ahead.
He said: “To you the people, especially the youths, I will work day and night. I will work to the utmost of my ability to make Nigeria better.
“For this to be a victory at all, it cannot simply be a victory for one man or even one party. It must become a victory for all Nigerians who are committed to a greater society.
“I know many did not vote for me. And you are disappointed that your candidate is not where I now stand.
“I understand your hurt. To you, I extend the embrace and comfort of one family member to another.
“This great project called Nigeria beckons to us all. It is bigger and more important than any partisan divide.”
The President-Elect urged his supporters and counseled those Nigerians whose candidate missed the opportunity of winning this time not to stop being patriotic citizens.
“I ask that you not allow the disappointment of this moment to keep you from realizing the historic national progress we can make by joining hands and hearts in common endeavor to pull this nation through,” he said.
Reflecting on the race, Asiwaju Tinubu said: “The road has been long. Yet, we walked it. The battle has been hard fought. Yet, we won it.
“But more importantly, I realize that I am just a servant of a larger purpose. You see, this is more than a document confirming the positive outcome of an election. “
He said the CoR (document) symbolizes the nation’s collective democratic attainment and even loftier aspirations.
He said the document also represents the impending transfer of most sacred duty and trust from one person to another.
He said, “At its most sublime, this certificate also symbolizes that each of you has the ability to achieve what others believe is impossible for you to achieve.”
While paying tribute to Nigerian youths, Tinubu charged them to keep hope alive and work hard for personal and national growth.
“Very soon, this nation shall witness a young person standing before you holding this great symbol of democracy and national leadership. We shall see a woman standing before you, holding this certificate as its owner.
“We shall experience someone from a tribe that many people have tried to dismiss as unqualified for this high office.
“By dint of hard work, determination, and unyielding belief in a noble endeavor, you can achieve the best of things.
“There are young people listening to me right now who shall one day be the leaders of our precious and exceptional democratic republic.”
PMB, UK Prime Minister, ECOWAS Leaders, Governors, Others Congratulate President-elect
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday heartily congratulated Tinubu on his victory in last Saturday’s presidential poll, saying he would now work with him and his team to ensure an orderly handover of power
Reacting to the results announced, President Buhari, in a statement by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu said: “I congratulate His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory. Elected by the people, he is the best person for the job. I shall now work with him and his team to ensure an orderly handover of power.
“The election was Africa’s largest democratic exercise. In a region that has undergone backsliding and military coups in recent years, this election demonstrates democracy’s continued relevance and capability to deliver for the people it serves.
“Within Nigeria, the results reveal democracy’s ripening in our country. Never has the electoral map shifted so drastically in one cycle. In the presidential elections, states in all regions across the nation changed colour. Some amongst you may have noticed my home state amongst them.
“The winning candidate did not carry his own home state either. That happens during a competitive election. Votes and those that cast them cannot be taken for granted. Each must be earned. Competition is good for our democracy. There is no doubt the people’s decision has been rendered in the results we look at today.
“That is not to say the exercise was without fault. For instance, there were technical problems with electronic transmission of the results.”
Buhari who acknowledged that there are areas that needed work to further bring transparency and credibility to the voting procedure noted however that none of the issues registered represent a challenge to the freeness and fairness of the 2023 elections.
He said, “I know some politicians and candidates may not agree with this view. That too is fine. If any candidate believes they can prove the fraud they claim is committed against them, then bring forward the evidence.
“If they cannot, then we must conclude that the election was indeed the people’s will – no matter how hard that may be for the losers to accept. If they feel the need to challenge, please take it to the courts, not to the streets.
“However, to do the latter means they are not doing it in the interest of the people, but rather to inflame, to put people in harm’s way and all for personal, selfish gains.”
Also, prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, congratulated Nigeria’s president-elect, Tinubu, following his declaration as the winner of last Saturday’s presidential election.
The UK prime minister sent the congratulatory message through that country’s foreign secretary, James Cleverly.
He called on the Nigerian authorities to address the concerns of the opposition over the organisation of the election, which was marred by technical challenges as alluded to by international observers and civil society organisations.
James Cleverly said, “The United Kingdom commends Nigerian voters for their participation in the Presidential and National Assembly elections and for their patience and resilience in exercising their democratic rights. We congratulate the President Elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We note the position of opposition parties on the election outcome and the concerns expressed by observer missions and civil society about the organisation of the process, including delays and technical challenges.
“We encourage the authorities to examine all concerns carefully, take action to resolve outstanding issues and focus on delivering the will of the Nigerian people.”
Similarly, leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) congratulated Tinubu on his election as Nigeria’s leader.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the ECOWAS commission and president of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, noted: “On behalf of General Umaro Sissoco Embalo, Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads Of State and Government and the entire ECOWAS leadership, we wish to convey our heartfelt congratulations to his Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“His Excellency General Embalo appeals to all the stakeholders to promote peace and use constitutional means to address any grievances they may have.”
Also, the Republic of Niger joined the list of countries to congratulate Nigeria’s President -elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following his election as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria last Saturday.
President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, in a message yesterday said the election of Tinubu gives him a pleasant opportunity to offer warm congratulations and best wishes for success in the accomplishment of his exalted mission.
He said,” I pay personal tribute and warm regards to the brotherly people of Nigeria for their irrevocable commitment to democracy. This free democracy and transparent election reinforces the anchoring of democracy in Nigeria and constitute great progress for the entire African continent.
“On behalf of the government of the great people of the Republic of Niger, please accept the assurances of my best regards.”
Also, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday wrote to congratulate Tinubu, saying he has demonstrated a consistent fidelity to progressive and welfarist ideals, and an ability to build bridges across several divides.
Osinbajo said, “I warmly congratulate the flagbearer of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory at the 2023 Presidential Elections, and his declaration as President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I also congratulate His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima on his declaration as Vice President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Addressing the president-Elect, the VP in a statement by his media aide, Laolu Akande stated that “in your previous years of public service, you have demonstrated a consistent fidelity to progressive and welfarist ideals, and an ability to build bridges across several divides.
“These attributes are needed, especially at this time to reach out to disaffected sections of our society and to meet the aspirational expectations of our young people who have shown such a strong desire to impact our democratic process in a positive way.
“I trust that they will not allow whatever setbacks they may have experienced to truncate their strong desire to determine the future course of our national journey.
“Through thick and thin, we must all remain focused on the objective of birthing the Nigeria of our dreams.”
In his reaction, former military president of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) said he has no doubt that Tinubu would perform as the president of Nigeria.
In his congratulatory message to the president-elect, IBB commended the INEC for midwifing an election, which he said would “lead to a new Nigeria”.
Babangida commended Nigerians for going out en masse to exercise their voting rights and electing someone like Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next President of Nigeria.
IBB said, “It’s a thing of joy that this is happening in my lifetime. I can confidently say that Tinubu is a good man for the job.
On his part, Gombe State governor, Muhammdu Inuwa Yahaya, congratulated Tinubu and the vice president-elect, Sen Kashim Shettima, on their victory, saying it is a manifestation of Tinubu’s years of personal commitment, sacrifice, tenacity, political experience and service to the nation.
In a congratulatory message he personally signed, Governor Inuwa noted that the president- elect is a well groomed leader with vast wealth of experience and network as a former Governor, Senator and political leader who has the competence and character to hit the grounds running and build on the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari in all facets of human endeavour.
He added that Tinubu’s antecedents in governance and his huge political connections are a good asset for a renewed hope and expression of national unity of purpose.
Describing Tinubu as an enigmatic leader and strong pillar with immense influence, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed confidence in his acumen and sagacity to unite Nigeria having been building bridges across the length and breadth of the country which has resulted in the historic victory.
He said Senator Tinubu has proven that he is able and capable to lead the nation, having governed Lagos state with a magic wand.
Also, Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, hailed Tinubu on his election, describing his emergence as a sweet victory coming after a rigorously fought electoral process.
The governor, in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti, said Tinubu is a man of immense experience, capacity and competence who will lead and serve the country with courage and sagacity.
He also congratulated Nigerians for the success of the electoral process, adding that the success of the 2023 elections attests to the fact that democracy has taken a firm root in the country.
Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described the emergence of Tinubu as Victory for democracy.
In a swift reaction to Tinubu’s victory, Ganduje applauded the hard political struggle and commitment of Tinubu’s political dynasty, which formed elements from across the nation, in making sure that the presidential candidate won the entire process.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s genuine investment in human, national development and national integration played some critical roles in endearing him to all sections of the country.
“Tinubu’s decades-long fight for the restoration of democracy in the country is well understood by Nigerians. Hence we see wisdom and valid reason for entrusting our future to him,” Ganduje said.
LP, PDP Vow To Seek Redress, Recover Mandate
But the PDP and Labour Party have assured their supporters that the party will be seeking legal redress to the election outcome, with a view to recovering their mandate.
The insisted that last Saturday’s presidential election was marred with irregularities and was not free and fair.
Vice presidential candidate of Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, however urged party supporters to remain calm and vote for the party in the forthcoming governorship and the state house of assembly polls scheduled for 11 March.
Datti stated this at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 presidential election held on Saturday.
He noted that his party’s flagbearer, Peter Obi, will speak on the election outcome in due time.
He added that despite the outcome of the poll, they still have hope in Nigeria.
Datti stated: “It’s our position that the results of the purported election did not meet the minimum standard of elections-Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party Vice Presidential Candidate.
“We will continue the struggle and we urge Nigerians to continue to struggle for their rights.
“Irrespective of the low level of confidence that we have in the system, we appeal to Nigerians to move out and vote for the Labour Party in the forthcoming governorship and state assembly elections.
“The Electoral Act 2022 provides that election result shall be electronically transmitted, this was not done it means the election did not hold.”
“We ask Nigerians to continue to exercise their civic duties like they did in the last exercise.
“We won this election, they refused to upload the results on IREV, the Nigerian people are winners, Nigerians are waiting for Peter Obi and I to get the power.
Similarly, spokesperson and director, Public Affairs, of the PDP presidential campaign committee, Dino Melaye, said the battle to retrieve the party’s presidential stolen mandate is on.
He stated this shortly after INEC announced Tinubu as winner of the election.
Melaye who described the outcome of last Saturday’s presidential election as a grave injustice added that the party will overcome.
He said, “A clarion call on all Atiku’s supporters all over the world not to be perturbed. Weeping may tarry till night but joy cometh in the morning.
“This grave injustice shall not stand. The battle to retrieve our stolen mandate is a battle of no retreat, no surrender. We shall overcome”.
