Nigeria’s president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sent a message to the major contenders in the February 25 presidential election that they were never his enemies.
He extended a hand of friendship to Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and runner-up in the election, to join him in moving Nigeria forward following the end of the election.
In his acceptance speech titled, ‘The Era of Renewed Hope’, delivered shortly after being declared winner by INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, Tinubu thanked the Nigerian electorates for their belief in the nation’s democracy.
The president-elect also promised to be fair leader to all Nigerians and harness the talents of citizens to deliver a ‘nation that we can be proud of’.
Tinubu said; “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.
Finally, I thank the Nigerian people for their abiding belief in our democracy. I shall be a fair leader to all Nigerians. I will be in tune with your aspirations, charge up your energies and harness your talents to deliver a nation that we can be proud of.
To my fellow candidates, former VP Atiku, former governor Kwankwaso, former governor Obi and all others, I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign. You have my utmost respect. During the election, you may have been my opponent but you were never my enemy. In my heart, you are my brothers.”
He also urged all presidential candidates who are dissatisfied with his victory to seek legal redress in court.
“Still, I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results. It is your right to seek legal recourse. What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence. Any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law, and not in the streets,” Tinubu said.
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