Tinubu wins, promises prosperity for all
By Oghale Mafuru
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, is set to become the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following the announcement by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declaring him the winner of the 2023 presidential elections.
The Commission made this announcement at the early hours of today at the National Collation centre in Abuja which was broadcast on national televisions and monitored by MARKETING EDGE.
According to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Tinubu garnered a total of 8,794,726 votes, while Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) placed second with 6,984,520 votes.
The INEC Chair added that Labour Party’s Peter Obi emerged third with a total of 6,101,533 votes, with Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) NNPP placing a distant fourth with 1,496,687 votes.
The states won by Tinubu include Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara, Ekiti, Kogi, Benue, Zamfara and Jigawa, while Atiku emerged victorious in Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Adamawa and Akwa Ibom.
Prof. Yakubu revealed that out of the 93,469,008 accredited voters only 25,286,616 participated in the electoral process.
Declaring Tinubu as the winner, the INEC boss said, “That Tinubu Bola Ahmed of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.”
The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his acceptance speech commended the leadership of the electoral commission for conducting a free, fair and credible elections.
While thanking Nigerians for the confidence reposed in him, he stated: “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 voted 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”
The President-elect further said, “Today, Nigeria stands tall as the giant of Africa. It shines even brighter as the continent’s biggest democracy.
He commended INEC for running a credible election and appealed to the aggrieved to seek redress in court rather than the streets.
Addressing his competitors for the coveted seat, Tinubu said, “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”.
To the industrious youths of Nigeria, he said, “Now, to you, the young people of this country, I hear you loud and clear. I understand your pains, your yearnings for good governance, a functional economy and a safe nation that protects you and your future. I am aware that for many of you Nigeria has become a place of abiding challenges limiting your ability to see a bright future for yourselves. Remodeling our precious national home requires the harmonious efforts of all of us, especially the youth. Working together, we shall move this nation as never before.
“My running mate, Vice President-elect Shettima, and I understand the challenges ahead. More importantly, we also understand and deeply value the talent and innate goodness of you, the Nigerian people. We pledge to listen and to do the difficult things, the big deeds, that put us on the path of irreversible progress. Hold us firmly to account, but please give us a chance first”.
While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari, his campaign organization and family for the support, he declared that the mandate given him is a serious one. “I hereby accept it to serve you, be your servant and not be your leader. To work with you and make Nigeria a great country.”
Promising an inclusive government, Tinubu appealed to fellow contestants to team up with him to repair, rebuild and develop the country to the benefit of all.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Bola Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for winning the presidential election.
“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” Buhari said.
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