By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
Nigeriadecides: The President-elect and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s election, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured young Nigerians that his administration was aware of their needs and their desire for a better country.
Tinubu stated this in an address he made shortly after he was announced as the winner of the presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“To you, the young people of this country, I hear you loud and clear. I understand your pains, 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, “
He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for running a free and fair election.
“The lapses that did occur were relatively few in number and were immaterial to the final outcome. With each cycle of elections, we steadily perfect this process so vital to our democratic life, “he said.
Tinubu, who also commended Nigerians for their rousing support for his candidacy promised to rule the country in line with the aspirations of the people.
To his fellow contestants, Tinubu urged them to accept the outcomes of the elections in good faith, pledging to work with them in the interest of Nigeria’s progress.
“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.
“Still, I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results. It is your right to seek legal recourse. What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence. Any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law, and not in the streets.
“I also ask my supporters to let peace reign and tensions fade. We ran a principled, peaceful, and progressive campaign. The aftermath of our campaign must be as benign.
“Yes, there are divisions amongst us that should not exist. Many people are uncertain, angry, and hurt; I reach out to every one of you. Let the better aspects of our humanity step forward at this fateful moment. Let us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation,” he said.
He urged all Nigerians to rally around and work towards the betterment of the country.
“Whether you are Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or have any other political affiliation, you voted for a better, more hopeful nation and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy.
“You decided to place your trust in the democratic vision of a Nigeria founded on shared prosperity and one nurtured by the ideals of unity, justice, peace, and tolerance. Renewed hope has dawned in Nigeria, “he said.
