By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
#Nigeriadecides:President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for winning Saturday’s Presidential election in the country.
The President in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu on Wednesday said that the result of the elections reflect the will of voters.
“The election was Africa’s largest democratic exercise, in a region that has undergone backsliding and military coups in recent years, this election demonstrates democracy’s continued relevance and capability to deliver for the people it serves.
“Within Nigeria, the results reveal democracy’s ripening in our country. Never had the electoral map shifted so drastically in our cycle. In the presidential elections, states in all regions across the nation changed color. Some amongst you may have noticed my home town amongst them. The winning candidate did not carry his own home state either. That happens during a competitive election. Votes and those they cast them cannot be taken for granted.
“There is no doubt the people’s decision has been rendered in the results we look at today, “
Buhari acknowledged the issues experienced with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), stating that the glitches call for an upgrade of the system.
He also urged all aggrieved contestants to channel their grievances through the courts as against creating tension in the country.
“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.
“After a degree of polarization that necessarily accompanies any election, it is now time to come together and act responsibly. I call on all candidates to remember the peace pledge they signed just days before the election. Do not undermine the credibility of INEC. Let us now move forward as one. The people have spoken, “he said.
