President-Elect Bola Tinubu has officially received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory in the 2023 presidential election held on February 25. The presentation took place on Wednesday afternoon at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, where INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu handed over the certificates to Tinubu and his vice presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress, secured the presidency with a total of 8,794,726 votes. He defeated the Peoples Democratic Party’s Atiku Abubakar, who garnered 6,984,520 votes, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who received 6,101,533 votes, placing third. The New Nigeria Peoples Party’s Rabiu Kwankwaso came fourth with 1,496,687 votes among the 18 candidates in the race.
During the ceremony, Tinubu, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, expressed his dedication to the youth and his commitment to improving Nigeria. He stated, “To you the people, especially the youths, I will work day and night. I will work to the utmost of my ability to make Nigeria better.” He emphasized that this victory should not be seen as a triumph for one individual or party, but rather as a collective achievement for all Nigerians striving for a better society.
Tinubu extended an invitation to those who did not support him, urging them not to let disappointment hinder the potential for national progress. He called for collaboration from opposition parties and all Nigerians, saying, “In a phrase, I am asking you to work with me. I may be the president-elect, but I need you. More importantly, Nigeria needs you.” He opened his heart and his door to all, encouraging unity in the effort to rebuild the nation.
He further articulated his vision for the country, stating, “Where there is poverty, let us create prosperity and jobs. Where there is hunger, let us feed the people, chasing hunger from their midst. Where there is scarcity, let us rediscover abundance. Where there is brutality, may we replace it with brotherhood. Where violence stalks the land, may we establish peace. Where others have erected temples to hatred and bias, may we construct permanent monuments to compassion and abiding affection.”
The event was attended by notable figures, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiama, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, former Governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi, and many other dignitaries, all amidst a large crowd of supporters and party faithful.
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