* Says the exercise was no without fault
* Cited tech problems with electronic transmission
* harps on need to enhance transparency and credibility
* Brags results reveal democracy’s ripening in Nigeria
…As President-elect promises to lead Nigeria to greatness
By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, heartily congratulates the winner of the Presidential Election, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu describing him as the best person for the job.
Reacting to the results announced at 3:30am at the National Collation Centre at International Confrence Center Abuja, President Buhari said he shall now work with Tinubu and his team to ensure an orderly handover of power.
“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. Of course, there will be areas that need work to bring further transparency and credibility to the voting procedure. However, none of the issues registered represent a challenge to the freeness and fairness of the elections.
“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.
“After a degree of polarization that necessarily accompanies any election, it is now time to come together and act responsibly. I call on all candidates to remember the peace pledge they signed just days before the election. Do not undermine the credibility of INEC. Let us now move forward as one. The people have spoken.”
In his acceptance speech tagged, “The Era Of Renewed Hope“, Tinubu vowed to lead the country to greatness, adding that he will work day and night to make the country better while assuring the youth that they will lead in the future.
“I am grateful to Almighty God. By His mercy, I was born a son of Nigeria and through His sublime purpose I find myself the victor of this election. May He grant me the wisdom and courage to lead the nation to the greatness He alone has destined for it,” Tinubu pledged.
The President- Elect said: “I am profoundly humbled that you have elected me to serve as the 16th president of our beloved republic. This is a shining moment in the life of any man and affirmation of our democratic existence. From my heart, I say thank you.
“Whether you are Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or have any other political affiliation, you coted for a better, more hopeful nation and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy.
“You decided to place your trust in the democratic vision of a Nigeria founded on shared prosperity and one nurtured by the ideals of unity, justice, peace and tolerance. Renewed hope has dawned in Nigeria.
“We commend INEC for running a free and fair election. The lapses that did occur were relatively few in number and were immaterial to the final outcome. With each cycle of elections, we steadily perfect this process so vital to our democratic life.
He said that “Today, Nigeria stands tall as the giant of Africa. It shines even brighter as the continent’s biggest democracy.”
However, he thanked all who supported his campaign from President Buhari, his Vice Presidential -elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, progressive governors of the ruling party, party leadership, and ‘loyal party members’ without acknowledging the Director General of his campaign, Simong Lalong the governor of Plateau state
He conclude by thanking the Nigerian people for their abiding belief in the nation’s democracy.while assuring that he shall be a fair leader to all Nigerians, be in tune with their aspirations, charge up their energies and harness their talents to deliver a nation that “we can be proud of.”
