The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who won the 2023 presidential election, has received congratulations from President Muhammadu Buhari.
“His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I congratulate you on your victory. He was chosen by the people and is the most qualified candidate. I’ll now work with him and his team to ensure a smooth transfer of power, Mr. Buhari said, according to spokesperson Garba Shehu.
“The election was the biggest democratic process in Africa. This election shows democracy’s ongoing relevance and capacity to serve the needs of its constituents in a region that has recently experienced backsliding and military coups.
“The results in Nigeria show that democracy is maturing in our nation. Never in one cycle has the electoral landscape changed so drastically. States across the country changed color during the presidential elections. Some of you may have noticed that one of them is my home state. The victorious candidate did not even win his own state of residence. That takes place during a heated election. Votes cannot be taken for granted, nor can the people who cast them. Each has to be acquired. We need competition in our democracy. Without a doubt, the outcomes we examine today reflect the will of the people.
In addition, Mr. Buhari addressed the responses of the candidates for the Peoples Democratic Party (Atiku Abubakar) and Labour Party (Peter Obi), who charged INEC with corruption and demanded the election be canceled.
That’s not to say the exercise was flawless, the president continued. For instance, there were technical issues with the results’ electronic transmission. There will undoubtedly be some areas that require improvement in order to increase the voting process’s credibility and transparency. However, none of the concerns submitted pose a threat to the elections’ integrity or fairness.
“I am aware that some politicians and candidates may not share my opinion. That’s also okay. Bring the evidence forward if any candidate believes they can substantiate the fraud they allege was committed against them. Even though it may be difficult for the losers to accept, if they are unable to, then we must draw the conclusion that the election did indeed reflect the will of the people. Please use the courts, not the streets, if they feel the need to challenge.
“However, to act in the latter way indicates that they are not acting in the best interests of the populace but rather to incite conflict, put people in danger, and pursue their own, selfish interests.
“After the inevitable degree of polarization that follows every election, it is now time to unite and take responsibility. I urge all candidates to keep in mind the peace commitment they made just before the election. Do not undercut INEC’s authority. Let’s now advance collectively. Those in the public have spoken.
