By Michelle Chidi
WED. 01 MARCH, 2023-theGBJournal| The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu today presented the Certificate of Return to the winner of the February 25, 2023 presidential election, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Vice President-Elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, was also presented with his certificate of return at the event held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.
Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Senate President and Speaker of Federal House of Representatives as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha were among top political figures present at the ceremony.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, the President-Elect Tinubu said ‘’the road had been long, yet we walked it, the battle had been hard fought yet we won it,’’ in obvious reference the hard, bruising campaign that saw him traverse the entire 36 States of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) since early October 2023.
He hoped that the victory will be seen as victory for one man from one party, ‘’It must become a victory for all Nigerians who are committed to a better society’’, for this to be a victory at all.
Tinubu noted that the certificate of return ‘’symbolizes our collective democratic attainment ad represents the impending transfer of the most sacred duty and trust from one person to another.’’
The President elect also speaks to the aspiration of the Nigerian youths, promising to work day and night and to the best of his abilities to make Nigeria better.
He also took a subtle jab at his opponents and their supporters which drew a loud applause from the huge crowd that had gathered at the conference centre for the event.
‘’I know many did not vote for me, and you are disappointed that your candidate is not standing where I stand now. I understand. You are hurt. Your angry in disappointment but I send the embrace and comfort of one family member to another.’’
He urged those that did not support him not to allow the disappointment of the moment to keep them from realizing the historic national progress they can build by working together.
‘’We must join hands in this common endeavor to pull the nation through. I am asking you to work with. I may be the president in election, but I need you more, and more importantly Nigeria needs you.’’
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