The Certificates of Return for Bola Tinubu, the winner of the 2023 presidential election that took place on February 25, and Kashim Shettima, his vice presidential candidate, have been handed over by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, gave the CoR presentation Wednesday afternoon at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, where the results of the presidential election will be compiled.
With 8,794,726 votes cast for the All Progressives Congress platform, Tinubu defeated Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party, who came in second with 6,984,520 votes, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who came in third with 6,101,533 votes, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party, who came in fourth out of the 18 candidates with 1,496,687 votes.
The President-Elect, flanked by his wife Oluremi Tinubu, accepted the CoR and reiterated his dedication to the youth and pledged to work toward improving Nigeria.
Tinubu stated, “I will work day and night to you the people, especially the youth.” I will do everything in my power to improve Nigeria.
“It cannot simply be a victory for one man or even one party for this to be a victory at all. All Nigerians who are dedicated to building a better society must celebrate this victory.
“To those who did not support me, I ask that you do not let the disappointment of this moment prevent you from realizing the historic national progress we can make by working together to pull this nation through,”.
“In a phrase, I am asking you to work with me,” the President-Elect said, urging opposition parties and Nigerians to work together. Even though I’m running for president, I need you. Most importantly, Nigeria is in need of you.
“Your door and my heart are open.” I request your entry so that we can begin the process of rebuilding our nation’s home together, brick by brick, day by day.
He went on to say, “Let us create prosperity and jobs where there is poverty.” Let us feed the hungry wherever they are, eradicating hunger from their midst. Let us rediscover abundance where there is currently scarcity. We ask that brotherhood take the place of brutality wherever it occurs. May we bring peace to areas where there is violence. Where others have built shrines to prejudice and hatred, may we build eternal shrines to compassion and love.”
In the midst of a sizable crowd of party faithful and supporters, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiama, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, former Governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi, and a host of other dignitaries graced the event.