By Abdullahi Yusuf
“We have a country to build and I have an election to win.”
Above was a remark made by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the then Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and now Nigeria’s President-Elect, during his interactive meeting with various religious groups and ethnic nationalities at the Government House, Kano, on October 25, 2022, ahead of the formal staging of his presidential campaign in the State.
Indeed,the Jagaban had an election to win,and win he did.Against all odds, including evil machinations,nay sayings and doom sayings, Asiwaju won the election.He has now secured the mandate to lead his fellow compatriots to build a strong,united and prosperous nation.
The APC Standard Flagbearer has convincingly and emphatically won the 2023 presidential election.He was declared the winner by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC),Prof.Mahmood Yakubu, in the early hours of Wednesday, amid a nationwide applause.
By the grace of Allah(SWT), the Jagaban will be inaugurated as the next President of Nigeria on May 29,2023.On that day, history will be made when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will become the second President of the nation elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC), after President Muhammadu Buhari.
Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes to beat his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP),who scored 6,984,520 votes to place a distant second in the exciting and breath-taking presidential contest.
In his acceptance speech, the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, first, thanked Allah (SWT) for giving him the mandate to steer the affairs of Africa’s most populous nation and biggest economy.
He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari,the APC National leadership,the APC Governors, party stalwarts, campaign teams and organisers,his media handlers,as well as party supporters who contributed to his victory at the polls.
“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 affirmation of our democratic existence. From my heart, I say thank you.
“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.
“We commend 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.
“Today, Nigeria stands tall as the giant of Africa. It shines even brighter as the continent’s biggest democracy.
“I thank all who supported my campaign. From President Buhari who adeptly led my campaign as its chairman, to my Vice Presidential Candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima.
“To the progressive governors of our party and this nation, to the party leadership, to our loyal party members. I owe you a debt of gratitude. To the entire campaign organization, I thank you sincerely.
“I thank my loving wife and dear family whose support was ceaseless and inspiring. Without you, this victory would not be possible.
“I am grateful to Almighty God. By His mercy, I was born a son of Nigeria 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.
“Finally, 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.
“To my fellow candidates, former VP Atiku, former governor Kwankwaso, former governor Obi and all others, I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign.
“You have my utmost respect.
In his reaction to the results of the election, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated the Jagaban on his victory at the action-packed polls.
Buhari said: “I congratulate His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory. 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.
“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 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,”the president added.
On his part, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State described the victory of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Standard Flagbearer as the emergence of a true Democrat.
Ganduje stated this in a swift reaction to the announcement of the victory of the APC Presidential Candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), according to his Chief Press Secretary,Malam Abba Anwar.
Anwar said in a statement he issued to Newsmen on Wednesday morning that the Governor had applauded “the hard political struggle and commitment of Tinubu’s political dynasty, which formed elements from across the nation, in making sure that the presidential candidate won the entire process.”
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s genuine investment in human, national development and national integration played some critical roles in endearing him to all sections of the country,” he observed.
Adding that, “Tinubu’s decades-long fight for the restoration of democracy in the country, is well understood by Nigerians. Hence, we see wisdom and valid reason for entrusting our future to him.”
While assuring that, the President-elect would evolve strategies in facing problems plaguing the nation, Governor Ganduje commended the APC leadership and membership “for standing firm to this point.”
He also described Tinubu as “a master strategist, a builder of man and space, an acknowledged brilliant political leader, a leader with national spread, an enduring and ensuring promoter of sustainable democracy and development and a skilful mover.”
Ganduje further said that “with our President-elect, Tinubu, leading the largest democracy in Africa, our continent will definitely benefit from his wealth of experience for the development of the continent.”
“Tinubu’s victory will not only benefit our motherland Nigeria, it will at the same time be a morale booster for Africa, as a continent and for the practice of global democracy,” the Governor added.
Now, the 2023 presidential election has been keenly contested,won and lost.The winner,Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is now poised to assume the mantle of leadership of this great country and pilot its affairs for peace, progress and development.
The Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Nigerians know and resoundingly voted for, will deliver on his mandate, going by his impressive track records of performance both in the public and private sectors.
