Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, says a renewed hope has dawned in Nigeria with his election, promising to be a fair leader to all.
Tinubu made this known in his acceptance speech on Wednesday in Abuja.
He spoke after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner of the election.
DailyNews24 reports that Tinubu polled a total vote of 8,794,726 to emerge the winner of the election, according to INEC.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate and Tinubu’s closest rival, got a total of 6,984,520 votes, while Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party pulled 6,101,533 votes at the election.
Tinubu, a former two-term governor of Lagos State, thanked Nigerians for their abiding belief in the country’s democracy and for electing him as the next president.
“Without you, this victory would not be possible. I am grateful to Almighty God because, by His mercy, I was born a Nigerian 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.”
“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,” Tinubu said.
He noted that the lapses that occurred in the Feb. 25 presidential and National Assembly elections were relatively few in number and immaterial to the final outcome of the election.
Tinubu commended INEC for running a free and fair election, adding that with each cycle of elections, the electoral process would be perfected.
“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. 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 an affirmation of our democratic existence. From my heart, I say thank you,” Tinubu said.
He thanked the Nigerian electorate for their participation and dedication to the country’s democracy, irrespective of party affiliations, saying they voted for a better, more hopeful nation.
“You decided to place your trust in the democratic vision of a Nigeria founded on shared prosperity and nurtured by the ideals of unity, justice, peace, and tolerance.
“Renewed hope has dawned in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
He thanked those who supported his campaign, from President Muhammadu Buhari to the party’s governors, its leadership, and loyal members across the country.
The former two-term governor of Lagos State added that he owed everyone who contributed to his election a debt of gratitude.
He particularly thanked the party’s entire campaign council, his wife, and family, whose support he said was ceaseless and inspiring.
“To my fellow candidates, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, former Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), former Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party, 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. Tinubu said.
For those that may not accept the election results, Tinubu said it was their right to seek legal recourse, adding that it was neither right nor defensible for anybody to resort to violence.
He further added that any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law and not on the streets.
He charged his supporters to let peace reign and tensions fade, saying they ran a principled, peaceful, and progressive campaign.
Tinubu promised to reach out to any member of the APC who might be aggrieved.
“Let the better aspects of our humanity step forward at this fateful moment. Let us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation.
“Now, to you, the young people of this country, I hear you loud and clear. I understand your pains and 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,” Tinubu assured.
He added that, with his Vice President-elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima, he understood the challenges ahead and also deeply valued the talent and innate goodness of youths and Nigerians generally.
“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 accountable, 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.
“Today, you have given me the greatest honor you can bestow on one man.
“In return, I will give you my utmost as your next president and commander-in-chief.
“Peace, unity, and prosperity shall be the cornerstones of the society we intend to build.
“When you gaze upon what we shall accomplish in the coming years, you shall speak with pride about being a Nigerian,” Tinubu assured.
NAN reports that INEC is expected to present Tinubu a certificate of return at 3 p.m.
(NAN)
