The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential aspirant of the All Progressive Congress, the winner of the just concluded presidential election, pulling 8, 794, 726 votes to defeat his Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who recorded 6,984,520 and 6,101,533 votes respectively. Rabiu Kwakwanso also came a distant fourth, amassing a total of 1, 496,687 votes and winning just one of the 36 states. Tinubu and Atiku won 12 states each, with Peter Obi also winning 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
President-Elect however described being the 16th incoming president of Nigeria since independence as the greatest gift to him from Nigerians, indicating that he could not have asked for any bigger present. He thus indicated that his campaign promises were not were words used to cynically garner support but a projection of the bond binding him to the duty of improving the social and economic conditions to further better the lives of the citizens. This was disclosed during his 71st birthday, facilitated by the present Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, governors of the APC party and other stakeholders.
Tinubu to be sworn in as president in the next two months.
Appreciating all the well-wishers who wished him well, he noted that this birthday was a special one and one for immense reflection. He further explained that the holy month of Ramadan was of more importance to him than any individual celebration. In about two months from now, he would be sworn in as the president of Nigeria and Tinubu has indicated that this was a privilege that he would not take for granted. He stated that this was a chance to fulfill his destiny. Vice P. Osinbajo also noted that this was a major opportunity for the president-elect to champion his aspirations and bring about a greater Nigeria.
V.P. Osinbajo, who had served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos state governor from 1999 to 2007, indicated in a signed statement that the day was a special one, as it signified the beginning of a pivotal assignment as the president of Nigeria. He thanked God for enabling him, the wisdom to contribute immensely to the development of Lagos state, stating that this would now also be witnessed across the country. Wishing him a happy birthday, the Vice President prayed that God grants him the strength and wisdom to rule the country.
Election win, a sign of renewed hope for a better Nigeria for citizens.
Also, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), an umbrella of governors elected under APC also congratulated the president-Elect, stating that his nationalism, boldness and courage had been acknowledged by the majority. Atiku Bagudu, the chairman of the forum and governor of Kebbi state, said that this celebration was coming shortly after Nigerians had enthusiastically mandated him to rule the country. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morca, also indicated that his election win was a sign of renewed hope that the citizens had in the quest for a better Nigeria.
Other dignitaries like the Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Babajide Sanwo Olu, governor of Lagos state and the Ebonyi State governor amongst others, also felicitated with the president-elect. The Tinubu/Shettima Grassroot Independent Campaign Council also expressed their confidence that Nigerians were poised for a glorious ride with Tinubu at the helm of ruling. The Chairman, Silas Agara, noted that Nigeria was so blessed to have Tinubu succeeding President Buhari in the helm of leadership. He in fact stated that this was a divine arrangement.
ITWG urges the incoming government to leverage on world bank’s portfolio.
A civil society organization, Independent Technical Working Group however applauded the inclusion of the President-Elect team into President Buhari’s delegation to attend World Bank’s Spring Meeting. Tinubu was however urged to leverage on the portfolio of the World Bank to improve the investment in human capital such as basic education and primary healthcare. The civil organization indicated that there was little need for an increased technical assistance from the IMF and World Bank to improve the Gender-Based Budgeting which was introduced by the Buhari administration.
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