President‑elect Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to set aside the pain, disappointment and agony that followed the 2023 general election and allow ample time for healing. His appeal comes as many aggrieved politicians and their supporters continue to nurse their wounds amid reports of massive rigging, voter intimidation and violence during the polls. Numerous petitions—particularly from opposition Peoples Democratic Party candidate Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi—have inundated the election tribunal, expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday titled “Elections are over: Healing process must begin,” Tinubu called for calm. While congratulating all candidates‑elect from the February 25 and March 11 elections, the former Lagos governor praised the commitment of President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), INEC, security agencies, observers and civil‑society organisations. He said that strengthening democratic governance at the sub‑national level would promote development and improve the quality of life for the masses. However, he expressed concern about isolated infractions reported in some states after the elections, condemning them unequivocally. He noted that the arson incident following the announcement of governorship results in one state did not represent the peace‑loving nature of the Nigerian people, and that physical and verbal assaults are unacceptable and antithetical to democratic ethos. Tinubu stressed that elections should be a celebration of a maturing democracy and freedom of choice, not a source of grief, and lamented the ethnic slurs that risk creating needless mischaracterisation.
“My appeal is for us to rise above our differences, which are fewer than the bonds that unite us as a people, regardless of the circumstances of our births,” he wrote. Drawing on his experience as Lagos governor, Tinubu affirmed the strength of Nigeria’s diversity and togetherness. As president‑elect, he pledged to bring the spirit of inclusiveness that characterised Lagos to national governance, enabling the country to reach its full potential.
He vowed to prioritize expanding civic space and safeguarding citizens’ freedom to exercise their rights within the bounds of the law. “Indeed, the elections are over. The people have voted to elect their governors and state legislators who will serve them for the next four years. The time for leadership and governance is now upon us.” Tinubu called for urgent steps to unite both supporters and opponents, emphasizing that the era of politicking is over and that nation‑building requires the contribution of every hand.
“I am ready to work with you all as your President. I will be a worthy partner you can trust and rely on as we bond together in unity of purpose and renewed hope for the betterment of our blessed country and beloved people.”
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