President-elect Bola Tinubu has reached out to his opponents, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, following a contentious presidential election in which he was declared the winner on Wednesday. Tinubu emphasized that political competition should now transition to conciliation and inclusive governance. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Tinubu as the winner after he garnered 8,794,726 votes, a declaration made by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at the International Collation Centre in Abuja during the early hours of Wednesday. However, representatives from the PDP, Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party walked out of the hall, refusing to sign the election results sheet. They rejected Tinubu’s declaration as president-elect, accusing INEC of compromise and calling for the election to be canceled and a fresh poll conducted.
Later in the day, INEC presented the certificates of return to Tinubu and vice president-elect Kashim Shettima around 4 PM. Tinubu is set to be sworn in as President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to Nigerians, assuring them that he would serve as a chief servant rather than a leader. “I will serve you; be your servant and not your leader. I will work with you to make Nigeria a great country,” he stated at the APC Presidential Campaign Council headquarters in Abuja shortly after his victory was announced. Present at the event were the vice president-elect, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, and various APC governors. Tinubu praised his fellow candidates for their spirited competition and urged them to collaborate for the nation’s benefit, stating that while they may have been opponents, they were never enemies.
Tinubu acknowledged that some candidates might struggle to accept the election results but affirmed their right to seek legal recourse. He stressed that resorting to violence is neither right nor defensible, urging any challenges to the electoral outcome to be addressed in a court of law rather than on the streets. “I also ask my supporters to let peace reign and tensions fade. We ran a principled, peaceful, and progressive campaign, and the aftermath must reflect that,” he said. He recognized the divisions within the country and reached out to those feeling uncertain, angry, or hurt, calling for a collective healing process. The former Lagos State governor commended Nigerians, especially those who voted for opposition parties, for their role in deepening democracy. He specifically addressed the youth, acknowledging their frustrations and aspirations for good governance, a functional economy, and a safe nation. “Remodelling 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,” he asserted.
Tinubu and Shettima are aware of the challenges ahead and are prepared to undertake the difficult tasks necessary for national progress. “Hold us firmly to account, but please give us a chance first. Together, we shall build a brighter and more productive society for today, tomorrow, and for years to come,” he pledged. He expressed gratitude to all voters, regardless of their political affiliations, stating, “You voted for a better, more hopeful nation, and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy.” He commended INEC for conducting a free and fair election, arguing that the few lapses that occurred were not significant enough to affect the final outcome.
After receiving his certificate of return, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to work tirelessly for the betterment of Nigeria, emphasizing that this victory should not be seen as a win for one individual or party but for all Nigerians dedicated to a greater society. He also visited outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, where he urged opposition parties to accept their defeat and focus on nation-building. “No matter how provocative a defeat is, we still have to tolerate it because we are democrats and we are trying to build a nation,” he stated. During this visit, Tinubu presented his certificate of return to Buhari and commended him for his support of democracy in Africa.
In response to Tinubu’s victory, the vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, announced that the party would contest the election results through legal means. He criticized the hurried announcement of results and the issuance of certificates of return, claiming it indicated collusion. Baba-Ahmed stated that the election did not meet the minimum standards set by INEC guidelines and the Electoral Act 2022, citing violence, voter intimidation, and suppression as significant issues. He assured supporters of the Labour Party’s determination to fight against what they perceive as an injustice.
The PDP also vowed to reclaim what it described as the stolen mandate of its candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Senator Dino Melaye, speaking on behalf of the PDP presidential campaign council, called on supporters to remain calm and assured them that the battle to retrieve their mandate would continue. Meanwhile, Buhari expressed his commitment to working with Tinubu and his team for a smooth transition of power, highlighting the significance of the election as a demonstration of democracy’s relevance in Africa.
The Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, General Umaru Embaló, congratulated Tinubu on his election and urged all stakeholders to promote peace and address grievances through constitutional means. The Federal Executive Council also congratulated Tinubu and Shettima, describing Tinubu as a committed technocrat and party member capable of moving the country forward. Various political leaders, including Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, expressed their support for Tinubu, emphasizing the need for purposeful governance and unity in the country.
As the political landscape evolves, the Labour Party and PDP remain steadfast in their opposition to the election results, with promises to seek legal redress. The coming weeks will reveal how these dynamics unfold as all parties navigate the path forward in Nigeria’s democracy.
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