•Electoral process had faults -Buhari
President Muhamadu Buhari, dis deputy, Yemi Osinbajo, Senate Chief Whip, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, governors, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Federal Executive Council (FEC) and others have congratulated President-elect, Bola Tinubu.
Buhari in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, however, admitted that the electoral process that produced Tinubu was not without faults, especially with electronic transmission of the results to INEC sever.
He tasked all aggrieved parties to seek redress in court rather than protests on the streets.
“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…Within Nigeria, the results reveal democracy’s ripening in our country. Never has the electoral map shifted so drastically in one cycle. In the presidential elections, states in all regions across the nation changed colour. Some amongst you may have noticed my home state amongst them. The winning candidate did not carry his own home state either. That happens during a competitive election. Votes and those that cast them cannot be taken for granted. Each must be earned. Competition is good for our democracy. There is no doubt the people’s decision has been rendered in the results we look at today.
“That is not to say the exercise was without fault. For instance, there were technical problems with electronic transmission of the results. Of course, there will be areas that need work to bring further transparency and credibility to the voting procedure… I know some politicians and candidates may not agree with this view. That too is fine. If any candidate believes they can prove the fraud they claim is committed against them, then bring forward the evidence. If they cannot, then we must conclude that the election was indeed the people’s will – no matter how hard that may be for the losers to accept. If they feel the need to challenge, please take it to the courts, not to the streets,” Buhari said.
•It’s time to bring to bear your progressive, welfarist ideals
Vice President Osinbajo, in a congratulatory letter to Tinubu said it was time to implement his consistent fidelity to progressive and welfarist ideals, and an ability to build bridges across several divides, which he has demonstrated over the years of public service.
The VP wrote: “In your previous years of public service, you have demonstrated a consistent fidelity to progressive and welfarist ideals, and an ability to build bridges across several divides.
“These attributes are needed especially at this time, to reach out to disaffected sections of our society and to meet the aspirational expectations of our young people who have shown such a strong desire to impact our democratic process in a positive way.
“I trust that they will not allow whatever setbacks they may have experienced to truncate their strong desire to determine the future course of our national journey.
“Through thick and thin, we must all remain focused on the objective of birthing the Nigeria of our dreams.
“I pray that Almighty God will help you to fulfil the progressive mandate of our Party, as well as your various plans to improve the security, welfare and happiness of all Nigerians.”
•He’ll move Nigeria forward –FEC
Federal Executive Council (FEC) also congratulated Tinubu and Kashim Shettima.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Transition Council, Boss Mustapha, in a statement described Tinubu as a seasoned administrator, technocrat of monumental proportion, astute politician and committed party man, whose unrivalled determination is to move the country forward.
“Council has the confidence that the in-coming administration will build on the legacies of the out-going administration for a guaranteed, united, peaceful, prosperous and virile nation. Council called on Nigerians to eschew violence and other negative acts capable of eroding the gains of the present democratic process, while urging aggrieved political parties to employ legal means to seek redress as appropriate.”
•Govs Lalong, Buni, Sule, Oyebanji, Uzodimma salute
Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong described the victory as an act of God that vindicates his many years of hard work, perseverance and commitment to the democratic development of Nigeria.
He said the APC has proven that it is a party that has diversity and acceptance among Nigerians of all persuasions.
He thanked Chairman of the PCC, President Buhari and the entire leadership for spearheading a robust campaign that got the buy-in of Nigerians and generated goodwill and acceptance of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the election of Tinubu and Shettima would usher in a new vista in the nation as they have promised to ensure peace, unity, justice, equity and fairness to all Nigerians irrespective of their backgrounds.
Also, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, described Tinubu and Kashim as the best team for Nigeria for the next four years.
“The people of Nigeria have spoken with great hope for a better Nigeria through the Tinubu/Shettima presidency. Tinubu is a true Nigerian who in his private and public life accommodates Nigerians from various ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. His experience in transforming Lagos would no doubt be used for the transformation of a larger Nigeria,” he said.
In the same vein, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State said the outcome of the presidential election signifies the abiding trust of Nigerians in the APC and its capacity to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
“As you prepare to assume the leadership of our great country Nigeria, be rest assured of the unalloyed support and loyalty from the government and good people of Nasarawa State. Once again, congratulations,” he said.
For Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his emergence is a sweet victory, coming after a rigorously fight of electoral process.
He congratulated Tinubu who he described as a man of immense experience, capacity and competence, who will lead and serve the country with courage and sagacity.
“Tinubu’s electoral victory is a defining moment in the anal of our political history as a nation. I have absolute confidence in Asiwaju Tinubu’s capacity to turn around the fortunes of the country and lead Nigeria to a new level of economic prosperity and international relevance.”
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, said the credibility and tenacity of the President- elect to patriotically offer selfless service to Nigeria, has never been in doubt.
“Over the past few months, we have toured the nooks and crannies of our country Nigeria, preaching the message of “Renewed Hope” which is anchored on the consolidation of the gains of President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.
“With the desires of the people and the quest for improved governance, the project was conceived and designed to deliver a transformed system of governance, one with the interest of the people at heart and a commitment to success,” he said.
•He’ll deliver on promises –Abdullahi
Deputy Whip of the Senate and National Coordinator, Project 774 for Tinubu/Shettima 2023, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, expressed confidence in their abilities to lead.
“Your emergence speaks so much about the unwavering confidence reposed in you as leaders with the distinct ability to take Nigeria on the next phase of its national journey. Furthermore, the outcome of the presidential poll attests to your democratic credentials which, suggest that under your watch, Nigerians need not worry about the independence of our institutions being compromised. They also need not worry about their freedoms and rights being suppressed.”
•Better days coming –Akpabio
Former minister, Niger Delta Affairs and senator-elect for Akwa Ibom North West, Godswill Akpabio, said Tinubu’s victory was a demonstration of his acceptance across the length and breadth of the country and beyond.
“Asiwaju is a tested and trusted hand in service delivery. He did it before when he called the shots in Lagos State and I am very confident that he will do more for Nigerians as its leader. The victory of our presidential candidate is a confirmation of his nationwide acceptance. He has the ability, capacity and the required experience needed now to take this country to the next level in both national and international affairs,” he said.
•He’s man for the job –Orelope-Adefulire
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, in a statement, described the victory as well deserved, saying Tinubu proved through his Renewed Hope manifesto, that he is the best man for the job.
“Our candidate has proved over and over again that among all the presidential candidates, he’s the best man for the job. He campaigned throughout the country, engaged all stakeholders and presented his manifesto openly. He deserved the victory because he worked hard for it. Nigerians still have belief in us, they know that APC with Asiwaju in charge will take Nigeria to greater heights and build on the solid achievements and foundation laid down by President Muhammadu Buhari.”
•Oyetola, Oluwo, Ogundokun speak
Immediate past governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, described it as a victory for democracy and a pointer to democratic sustenance in Nigeria.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola expressed confidence in the ability, competence, and administrative acumen of Tinubu to take the country to enviable heights never known in history.
The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdurosheed Akanbi, described Tinubu’s emergence as a victory for Yorubaland, saying “the hope of 1993 was renewed and accomplished in 2023 by presenting one of the best of our sons.
National Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Chief Abiola Ogundokun, also congratulated Tinubu, saying the victory is deserving.
•ECOWAS sues for peace
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of States and Government, in a statement said: “On behalf of His Excellency, General Umaru Sissoco Embalo, Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and the entire ECOWAS Leadership, we wish to convey our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The ECOWAS Commission further said Embalo appealed to all stakeholders to promote peace and to use constitutional means to address any grievances they may have.
Oyewumi salutes Tinubu
A member of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council ( PCC) , Prince Kunle Oyewumi has described the victory of Tinubu as timely and well deserved.
Extolling the virtues of the president- elect, the Ogbomoso Prince stressed that Tinubu’s success in the poll is a testament to his goodwill and pedigree in all facets of life.
While admonishing Nigerians to sustain their support for the President-elect, Oyewumi commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties and other stakeholders for a hitch free and credible election.
The member of Tinubu/Shettima Independent Campaign Council (ICC) urged the political class to continually uphold the tenets of democracy, adding that Tinubu will deploy his cross national and multi sectoral experience in advancing the cause of the people.
He said: “The victory of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the APC is victory for Nigerians. The president- elect, a strong advocate of democracy, has over the years sustained his passion for democratic process and genuine leadership. Nigerians have spoken with their votes with Tinubu’s victory and as such the president- elect will live up to expectations.”
Victory reflection of his doggedness –Gani Adams
Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams described the victory of Bola Tinubu as a reflection of his doggedness and consistency in Nigeria’s politics.
Adams in a statement by Kehinde Aderemi urged Tinubu to remain committed to the ideals of democracy by fulfilling his promise to be the “servant of the people.
“His victory was not unexpected; it was well deserved because he has been consistent as a frontline politician that had fought tirelessly for the enthronement of this democracy. He had also fought a long battle ahead of this victory.While wishing him all the best in his new political adventure,it is my view also that Asiwaju should remember that it is his duty as the next president of Nigeria to fulfill the democratic vision of this country.”
The vision that is based on peace, unity, justice, and tolerance among others.”