The victory of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just-concluded election has elicited reactions and congratulatory messages from political stakeholders, write EMMANUEL OLADESU, Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja; Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt; Osagie Otabor, Akure ADEKUNLE JIMOH Ilorin SHOLA O’NEIL (Port Harcourt); Onimisi Alao, Yola; Bisi Oladele Ibadan; LINUS OOTA, Lafia; FRANK IKPEFAN, Abuja; GBENGA OMOKHUNU, Abuja; RASAQ IBRAHIM, Ado-Ekiti; and JULIANA AGBO, Abuja.
Olawepo-Hashim urges president-elect on unity
A former presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has congratulated the president-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima on their success in the political contest.
In a statement, Olawepo-Hashim also prayed that “God will grant the duo the wisdom to unite the badly divided nation and to bring succour to the needy who have suffered so much”.
He added: “The business of national reconciliation and healing is urgent and cannot be delayed. Asiwaju’s government must not be the government of the victors alone but an inclusive government, a government of every useful hand for the task of national unity and prosperity.
Tompolo’s Gbaramatu kinsmen rejoice
The Gbaramatu Traditional Council in Warri, Delta State expressed joy at Tinubu’s victory.
Gbaramatu is an important Ijaw Kingdom in the Niger Delta, and it is the homestead of prominent activists, including Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) and Delta State Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro, among others.
The council, which had earlier honoured Tinubu as Iyalawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, attributed his resounding victory at the polls to decades of good works and well-planned strategy.
Four prominent leaders Chief W. O Okirika (JP), JGB Ari (JP), Chief Godspower Gbenekama (JP), Chief Nelson Ogelegbanwei (JP), Bolowei, Puwei, Fiyewei and Tonwei of the kingdom respectively, who signed the council’s statement, described Asiwaju Tinubu as “one of their own”.
Adamawa APC celebrates
The APC in Adamawa State has congratulated president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and vice president-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima on their victory. The party described the victory as one representing hope for Nigeria.
Its chairman, Samaila Tadawus, said: “The victory is a sign of hope for Nigeria.”
Speaking at a press conference in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, he urged party supporters to come out en masse on March 11 governorship and state assembly elections to vote for the party, as they did during the February 25 election.
Southwest APC glad
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southwest has felicitated the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his victory at the poll, describing it as a victory well-deserved.
The party in a statement by its Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mr Ayo Afolabi said Tinubu’s victory was a result of his firm belief in Nigeria which he has proved over the years through the bridges he has been building across the Niger, his doggedness, kind nature, determination and courage to surmount challenges.
Afolabi described Tinubu’s journey to Aso Rock as long and tortuous, but which ended well by God’s grace and mercy.
He pointed out that Tinubu’s election at this critical time is most apposite; stressing that Nigeria needs a leader of Tinubu’s virtues and courage to change the fortunes of the country.
Oyo monarch gives kudos
The Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Oyo State, Oba Francis Alao, has congratulated the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his success in last Saturday’s election.
The monarch hailed the courage, perseverance, doggedness and love for the nation, whose demonstration led to his electoral victory last Saturday.
He described Tinubu’s victory as a victory for unity, justice and fairness, and commended all royal fathers that supported his ambition.
The monarch called on those dissatisfied with the outcome of the election to seek redress in the court instead of plunging the country into violence.
Oba Alao, who is the Deputy Chairman, the Oyo State Council Of Obas and Chiefs,
called on voters in Oyo State to rise up the same way to re-elect Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on March 11.
Alasoadura sends greetings
A former minister and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, has congratulated the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima.
In a statement, Alasoadura described Tinubu’s victory as a victory for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, political affiliation or religion.
He said a lot of confidence in Tinubu because of his excellent track record.
He also commended the people of Ondo State and Nigerians at large for voting massively for Tinubu, whom he described as the “people’s choice”.
Tinubu’s victory, new dawn for Nigeria – Agbaje
A former governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Mr Akeem Agbaje, has also congratulated the president-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on his victory in the February 25 election.
Agbaje, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, congratulated Tinubu in a statement he personally signed.
He described Tinubu’s victory as a “new dawn for Nigeria”. He added: “Tinubu is, no doubt, the right choice for Nigeria, especially at this critical time in the life of the country. He is a focused and detribalised leader, with nationalistic tendencies.
“He is also a bridge-builder, a friend of the rich and the poor, a person with good leadership credentials and a shrewd manager of men and resources.”
‘Victory testimony to
planning’
A former Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, Dr Jide Idris yesterday described Sen. Bola Tinubu’s victory as a testimony to his long-time planning.
He prayed to God to guide Tinubu in steering the country to greater heights. He added: “What we are witnessing is the result of long-term planning, strategising and hard work, all capped by the grace of God.
“Congratulations to Asiwaju and may the good Lord continue to guide and guard him in successfully steering the ship of our nation.”
Ooni wants intellectuals, professionals in govt
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has urged the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to assemble a team made up of intellectuals and professionals to come up with an economic recovery blueprint for Nigeria.
Ooni made the call in a congratulatory message to Tinubu signed by Otunba Moses Olafare, the director of Media and Public Affairs in the palace in Ile-Ife.
The statement reads: ”You must immediately assemble a transition team of cerebral men and women to come up with an economic recovery blueprint upon your inauguration on May 29.
”You must move into action in a way that will further assure Nigerians of the ‘Renewed Hope. As a tested and trusted cerebral team leader that you are, you must in a couple of days present your transition team of cerebral men and women to give us an economic recovery blueprint.”
A knack for wealth creation
The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Emma Eneukwu said Sen. Ahmed Tinubu’s victory was aided by his knack for wealth creation.
In his congratulatory message, Eneukwu said: “With this natural innate quality of the master strategist, Tinubu will definitely turn things around in the country.”
He said that Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor had all it takes to make Nigeria a safe and progressive habitat for all.
The deputy national chairman said the president-elect and his incoming government will leverage so well the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari to provide “a renewed hope” to the masses as stated by his campaign slogan.
Why Nigerians chose him, by Al-Makura
Former Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has indicated that Nigerians elected Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu because of his records as Lagos state governor between 1999 and 2007.
He said his election, alongside his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, is a good omen for the growth and development of the country.
He made the remark yesterday while celebrating the party’s victory.
He said: “Nigerians should support the transition and administration of Tinubu and Shettima for them to continue developing the country to greater heights in s democratic setting.
‘He can provide good governance’
The governorship candidate of the Accord party in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is capable of providing good governance, considering his antecedent as a former governor of Lagos State.
In a congratulatory message, Adelabu said: “We expect good governance, which we know Tinubu is capable of providing, considering his antecedent as former governor of Lagos State and one of those who fought for the democracy we are enjoying today.”
He enjoined the president-elect to use the opportunity of his victory to reconcile the different sections of the country, which have been fractioned by the activities leading to the election.
‘Join hands to move nation
forward’
The President and Chairman of Council, the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Dr. Christiana Atako, has advised the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, to be magnanimous and humble in victory by running a government of inclusion.
Atako said running a government of inclusion would foster national unity and integration irrespective of religious inclination, ethnocentric and cultural diversity, and political affiliation.
She also enjoined the entire citizenry to close ranks and join hands with the incoming administration to move the nation forward as that would be the fastest way to heal the nation of the rancour and bad blood thrown up by the partisanship experienced before, during and after the election.
Northern groups welcome
victory
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has congratulated the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the vice president-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima and the All Progressives Congress (APC), on their recent election victory.
The group asked the Tinubu to carry everybody along in fulfilling his campaign promises, irrespective of religion, tribe, and political affiliation.
In a congratulatory message, its spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman also commended the youth for their participation in the elections as well as the significant role they played as INEC officials.
He added: “We appreciate the commitment expressed in his acceptance speech to robustly tackle youth unemployment, improve the condition of health, reposition our schooling system, and most importantly, improve the standard of living in the country.”
Accord Party candidate
congratulates Tinubu
The presidential candidate of the Accord Party in the just concluded election, Professor Christopher Imumolen has congratulated the president-elect, Bola Tinubu on his victory at the poll.
He also congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of democratic consolidation.
Imumolen in a statement urged Nigerians to maintain the same manner of sportsmanliness, calm and decorum in next week’s House of Assembly elections.
He said: “Let me officially congratulate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his hard-fought victory in Saturday’s elections.
“His emergence as Nigeria’s president may have sparked discontent in some quarters because of the imperfections witnessed in the conduct of the elections, but it can not be denied that Tinubu, who has distinguished himself as an astute politician and a symbol of hope for the country’s nascent democracy, clearly deserved his victory.
“It is in this light, I would like to urge everyone, the opposition, and even his most virulent critics to sheath their swords, embrace reason and close ranks — where possible — to make the tenure of the country’s president-elect an eventful and successful one.
‘Victory is evidence of
democratic advancement’
The Muhammadu Buhari/Osinbajo Dynamic Support Group has described the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu as an advancement in the country’s democracy.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Usman Ibrahim, the group also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “making votes of Nigerian people count”.
The statement quoted Ibrahim, a chieftain of the APC as saying that “the party fielded a sellable candidate in the person of Tinubu, as well as his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima and the import of our good thinking is the victory at hand.
“A Tinubu presidency will deepen democracy as a fulcrum of socio-economic development.”
In this vein, the APC support group urged political parties, and other critical stakeholders “to as a matter of patriotism joins hands in the onerous task of moving the nation forward.”
The statement added: “There is no perfect democracy anywhere in the world. Therefore, we call on the opposition to focus on the merits of last Saturday’s presidential poll and eschew any act capable of derailing our democratic gains since the country returned to civil rule in 1999.
“Every contest must produce losers and winners. In any case, the fact that a candidate lost does not foreclose the fact that he/she can win another time.”
Cleric urges Atiku, Obi to congratulate president-elect
The founder of the Christ Apostolic Church, Wonder Chapel, Pastor Sunday Ilori has called on the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi to accept the outcome of the general election in good faith.
Pastor Ilori appealed to Atiku and Obi who had resolved to challenge the outcome of the election to rethink and embrace the winner, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the overall best interest of peace and development.
Speaking with reporters in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the prominent cleric who had earlier predicted Tinubu’s victory, said “the duo’s decision to go to court would be a waste of time because he enjoys heaven’s backing”.
Pastor Ilori advised them to rally behind the president-elect in his quest to bring much-needed transformation rather than chasing shadows and dissipating their energy on what God had settled.
Lagos APC celebrates
The chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has congratulated Tinubu on his well-deserved victory in last Saturday’s presidential elections.
He acknowledged the wide support for Asiwaju across the board despite the keen nature of the contest.
He expressed his appreciation to all the leaders, members and sympathizers of APC for their diligence, perseverance, commitment, vigilance, and sacrifice in the days preceding the election, during and thereafter.
He appreciated all Nigerians who despite the excruciating challenges of recent times performed their responsibilities to further entrench our democracy.
He said the electoral body – INEC – the security agencies and other stakeholders will go down in history as midwives to a free, fair, transparent and historic election in Nigeria.
The role of the opposition parties who made a keen contest of the election by providing options for the electorates was significant of tremendous growth in our nascent democracy.
He said the president-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will fulfil his part of the social contract with all Nigerians by delivering in totality on his manifesto of “Renewed Hope” to usher in an era of peace, security, prosperity, nationwide growth and our restoration to a place of pride in the comity of nations.
Nigerians have chosen a prepared president whose selling point remains his antecedent, pedigree and unwavering commitment to progressive governance.
Heal open wounds, Modu Sheriff tells Tinubu
Former Borno State governor, Alli Modu Sheriff has called on the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take proactive steps to heal the wounds across the country caused by tribal and religious sentiments.
Modu Sheriff, in a congratulatory message signed by the Deputy Chairman of the Ali Modu Sheriff Political Family, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, noted that the wounds have caused division, suspicion and alienation among Nigerians and must be healed.
He expressed optimism that Tinubu will meet the expectations of Nigerians of birthing a new country with a good team.
He also urged the president-elect to give room to all who want to make contributions to move the country forward, as constructive criticism should also be welcomed to help put things in check.
The message reads: “Be magnanimous in victory and let your doors be open to all who want to make contributions to move the country forward, constructive criticism should also be welcomed as it helps to put things in check most times.
Ex-Afenifere secretary, Arogbofa congratulates Tinubu
The immediate past Secretary-General of Afenifere, Seinde Arogbofa (OFR) has celebrated the electoral victory of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Arogbofa, in a statement yesterday, expressed his confidence that Tinubu will uphold the existence of each component that constitutes the country.
The statement reads: “We are happy at the emergence of a true federalist in the person of Senator Bola Tinubu as President-Elect of Nigeria. We are convinced he will be able to prevent the swallowing up of any of the major components that constitute the Federal nature of the country and still allow the minor groups to exist without being suffocated.
“As Afenifere, we believe Tinubu will keep to our demands of him when he visited our leader, Chief Rueben Fasoranti, in Akure on October 30, 2022, to the effect that he should address (i) Security (ii) Economy (iii) restructuring and restoration of unity in the country.
“We congratulate him and rejoice with Nigeria. We congratulate Africa and promise to work with him to turn things around for the better. We want to be vindicated at the end of the day. We pray God saw him through the campaign rigours to see him through his tenure successfully, safe and sound.”
Forum sends greetings
The Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) described Tinubu’s victory as ‘a testament to his wide acceptance across Nigeria’.
A statement by its President, Femi Olugbile, and Secretary Jafar Sanuth, hailed the President-elect, saying it is ‘a confirmation of his antecedents as a firm believer in democratic values and ideologies which he stood for and fought for over the years’.
Go to court over presidential election result, says UN
The United Nations (UN) has called on political parties and candidates aggrieved with the results of the presidential elections to take the misgivings up legally and constitutionally.
Speaking with NAN in New York, Stéphane Dujarric, UN spokesperson, said political parties should maintain peace, but are free to approach the tribunal for any grievances over the declaration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner of the presidential election held on Saturday.
While the results were being announced, agents of the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had alleged manipulation of the result. They, therefore, staged a walk out from the venue of the announcement.
Also, the candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Thursday, claimed that the election was not free and fair.
But according to Dujarric, Nigeria has a strong history of peaceful transition of power.
He said the UN had offered technical support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that the aid yielded “some” results.
Dujarric said although the UN did not play a role in observing the elections, he said it is common for tensions to arise whenever results do not sit well with the people.
“It is important at this point in any election, in any country, and we’ve seen it in the north, we’ve seen it in the south and east and west. We’ve seen issues of great tension following elections when people didn’t accept the results.”
Dujarric called for calm in the country, saying it would take a process to see desired results.
He added that the legal use of seeking solutions to the problems arising from the election results would play a role in stabilising the country.
“It is important that all stakeholders work for the better, for the stability of the country and use existing legal and constitutional channels to challenge, if they so wish, any election results,” the UN spokesperson said.
“What is important is that as in any election, any… that if any candidate or group of candidates has an issue with the results that they go through the established legal and constitutional channels to work out their challenges.
“And it is very important for everyone to remain calm as that process or these processes play out.”
Asari-Dokubo praises Wike, attacks Amaechi
Alh. Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, the foremost Niger Delta freedom fighter, celebrated Tinubu’s victory at his hometown in Buguma, Rivers State.
In a unique celebration, Dokubo, who poured white powder all over his body, denounced the alleged roles a former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, played against Tinubu during the election.
But he heaped praises on the Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, for fulfilling his promises
Dokubo while addressing his supporters said: “How is Chibuike Amaechi feeling in his house? Wike is a man. Wike was my enemy before. But now he is no longer my enemy. Wike is the lion that protects the city. He is a warrior. Amaechi has failed”.
Dokubo, in their solidarity songs, poured encomiums on Wike but lampooned Amaechi for allegedly working against the victory of Tinubu.
The freedom fighter had before the election vowed to work for Tinubu, whom he described as his bossom friend. He had testified how the former Lagos State Governor assisted him in his time of need.
Cocoa farmers: Accept outcome of presidential election
The Cocoa and Plantain Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) has appealed to presidential candidates of both the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to allow peace reign in the country by accepting the outcome of last Saturday’s general elections.
It urged them to cooperate with the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make Nigeria a better place and the country prosperous.
The group also urged former president Olusegun Obasanjo to put himself in the position of an elder statesman and work for the peace and prosperity of the country.
CFAN’s president, Chief Ayodele Ojo Falabona, in a statement issued in Akure, advised clerics to stop using the name of God to deceive Nigerians especially in electoral contests.
“We thank some of our clergy men who didn’t say what they didn’t see. We are begging Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to put himself in the position of Gowon, Abdusalama and Goodluck Jonathan and stop being envious as well as self-centered because he’s nothing before God.
Falabona assured Nigerians that Tinubu would turn the fortunes of the country around in all sectors of the economy.
The cocoa farmer appealed to Tinubu to invest much in agriculture especially in the cocoa industry as it remained the best source of curbing unemployment.
“Asiwaju has never changed party and he will always support anyone who wants to contest under the party. He endures and he understands politics, He forgives easily and has no enemy.”
Okorie to Nigerians: Rally round president-elect
Former National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has urged Nigerians to support the President – Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a successful administration.
Okorie while congratulating Tinubu over his victory at last Saturday’s presidential election said: “I congratulate Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu on his victory at the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria. The election was keenly contested and the use of technology showed a balanced election results different from what used to be the case. The outcome of the elections has also thrown up a more balanced National Assembly. Nigerians should expect a more robust and vibrant 10th National Assembly.
A statement issued by him on Thursday said: “It is with every sense of responsibility and patriotism that, l appeal to those whose preferred candidates did not win the 2023 presidential election to accept and respect the mandate given to the president-elect by the majority of Nigerian voters. This is what democracy is all about.
“In the same token, l appeal to all the contestants for the office of President of Nigeria, who may be aggrieved by the outcome of the election to avail themselves of the available legal window to address their grievances. Any resort to self-help will not be in the interest of anybody.
“l urge all well-meaning Nigerians to rally round Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu to succeed in his onerous task to tackle Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges. His success will definitely translate to our collective success as a nation”.
“I urge the president-elect to take immediate steps to bind the open wounds that have caused a lot of division, suspicion and alienation among Nigerian citizens. This is a sine qua non to the success of any policy he may enunciate to promote and grow the economy as well as provide jobs and other democracy dividends to the Nigerian people. I am confident that the well-known political sagacity and savvy of Tinubu, shall be put to maximum use at this time”.
SDP: We won’t challenge
presidential election result
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has said that it will not challenge the declared results of the presidential election.
The party, which won some senatorial and House of Representatives seats in last Saturday’s elections, however said, it will be contesting results of the Senate and House of Representatives seats.
National Chairman of SDP, Alhaji Shehu Gabam who stated this during a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Thursday, said his party won many seats, but was denied adding that they are going to challenge the results of such places in the court.
“The National leadership of our great party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), heartily congratulates all Nigerians for the peaceful and successful presidential and national assembly elections that took place on Saturday, February 25, 2023, and His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress candidate for winning the keenly contested Presidential election.
“The 2023 presidential election turned out with the most unique outcome, considering the national spread and the equal number of states won by the three leading candidates. Also, it’s noteworthy that it came out as having the lowest voter turn-out in the recent history of presidential elections in Nigeria, with less than a total of 25 million votes out of over 90 million registered voters nationwide!
He will transform
Nigeria, says Isijola
A chieftain of the APC, in Ondo State, and coordinator of the Teni Teni support group for the Asiwaju/Shettima Campaign, Otunba Rasak Isijola, has congratulated Tinubu, on winning the presidential election.
Isijola, who is the immediate past vice chairman of the APC in Ondo State, stated this in a congratulatory message issued by the group to the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
He said with Tinubu and Shettima’s victory, Nigeria will be better for it. “Citizens will no longer go abroad in search of greener pastures as there will be an enabling environment for everyone to maximize their potential,” he added.
Isijola said Tinubu’s presidency will continue to build on the legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure development, social intervention project, and youth and women empowerment amongst others across the federation.
He said: “As a two-term Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu turned around the economy of the state and put it on a continuous and sustainable growth trajectory, while Shettima on the other hand as governor of Borno State, the state witnessed monumental strides despite the threats posed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.”