Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari, winner of Saturday’s presidential election, on Wednesday received his certificate of return from Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
The INEC chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu presented the certificate of return first to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at exactly 2:20pm after which he signed the register. Accompanied by his wife Dolapo, he held the certificate up amidst shouts and applause.
President-elect Buhari received his certificate of return at exactly at 2:22pm surrounded by his wife, Aisha Buhari, Osinbajo and his wife Dolapo.
The presentation ceremony took place at the National Collation Centre in Abuja.
Yakubu, who is the chief collation officer for the poll, had in the early hours of Wednesday reported that President Buhari, polled a total of 15,191,847 to defeat candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku and 71 others. According to him, Atiku garnered 11,262,978 to place second in the poll.
Those who witnessed the ceremony include the National Chairman of the APC party, Adams Oshiomhole, governors, ministers, presidential aides, Buhari’s children, party faithfuls across the country, local and international observers among others.
In his remarks, President Buhari assured Nigerians that the country will move to the next level as promised in terms of infrastructural development.
Buhari also assured that his government will be inclusive and doors will remain open to those with the national interest at heart.
He promised to tackle insecurity, improve the economy and fight corruption.
Buhari also commiserated with the families of those that have lost their lives as as a result electoral violence.
The President stated that elections are not wars and must not be ‘do or die’ affairs, commending the doggedness of other contestants and urging them to accept the outcome of the elections since the common interest is to serve Nigerians.
He stated:
“I am grateful to God for sparing our lives to witness another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic development – namely conclusion of the Presidential election in an overwhelmingly peaceful manner.
“I wish, Mr Chairman, to congratulate all the Presidential candidates and their teams on a hard-fought campaign. We may have had different views during the campaign, but the one thing most of us have in common is love of our country and our desire to improve conditions for Nigerians.
“From the comments of several observers both local and foreign, it is obvious that the elections were both free and fair.
“Now that the elections are over, and a winner declared, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria, our dear country. That was why I encouraged my teeming supporters, in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat. Our God-given victory is enough cause for joy, without deriding those who were in the opposition. All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future.
“I, therefore, want to assure that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart. Our Government will remain inclusive and our doors will remain open. That is the way to build the country of our dream; safe, secure, prosperous, and free of impunity and primitive accumulation by those entrusted with public offices.
“The hard work to deliver a better Nigeria continues, building on the foundations of peace, rule of law and opportunities for all. We will roll up our sleeves afresh, and give it our all. We have no other motive than to serve Nigeria with our hearts and might, and build a nation which we and generations to come can be proud of.
“I am very grateful to the over 15 million citizens who voted for me, those who contributed in many ways in the running of our successful campaign, and those at home and abroad who expressed confidence in me and the APC Government. I thank you all.
“I can assure that you will see a country moving to the Next Level, as we consolidate on our fundamental areas of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption. Many other focal areas, as stated in our campaign manual, will be added, to the good things we plan for our country.
“Let me pay tribute here to those who lost their lives either through accidents or mindless violence during the course of these elections. My heart and thoughts are with the families of the victims. May God comfort and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
“Election is not war, and should never be seen as a do or die affair. I pray that we all accept this democratic approach to elections, however contentious.”
Those who witnessed the ceremony include the National Chairman of the APC party, Adams Oshiomhole, governors, ministers, presidential aides, Buhari’s children, party faithfuls across the country, local and international observers, among others.