By: Taiwo Amodu, Abuja
President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration shall bring smiles to the faces of all Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.
He gave the pledge on Wednesday morning in his acceptance speech, delivered at the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council secretariat in Abuja.
Tinubu is expected to pick up his Certificate of Return today, along with Vice -President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the Independent National Electoral Commission Collation Centre located within the International Conference Centre.
Early Wednesday morning, INEC Chairman and Chief Return Officer for the presidential election, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has declared Tinubu as President elect “having satisfied the requirement of the law is hereby declared winner.
The President elect in a prepared speech titled, ” The Era of Renewed Hope,” commended the “INEC for running a free and fair election. “
Acknowledging irregularities in the process, the President elect assured Nigerians that the electoral process would witness appreciable improvement with time.
“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.
“Today, Nigeria stands tall as the giant of Africa. It shines even brighter as the continent’s biggest democracy.”
Commending other presidential candidates for believing in democracy, Tinubu who maintained that he would be willing to run an inclusive government however cautioned aggrieved candidates and their supporters to abandon the streets and seek legal recourse in the Court of law.
“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.
“Political competition must now give way to political conciliation and inclusive governance.
“During the election, you may have been my opponent but you were never my enemy. In my heart, you are my brothers.
“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.
“I also ask my supporters to let peace reign and tensions fade. We ran a principled, peaceful and progressive campaign. The aftermath of our campaign must be as benign.
“Yes, there are divisions amongst us that should not exist. Many people are uncertain, angry and hurt; I reach out to every one of you. Let the better aspects of our humanity step forward at this fateful moment. Let us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation.”
