I thank you for strengthening the democratic process - Tinubu to 'Atikulated', 'Obidient'

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president-elect has extended a hand of fellowship to supporters of the other leading candidates after he was declared the winner of the presidential elections.

Tinubu in his acceptance speech appreciated the contribution of the supporters of the other political parties in strengthening the democratic process.

He said: “Whether you are Batist, Atikulated or Obidient or Kwankwasiyya or any other political affiliation, I thank you for working hard to strengthen the democratic system,” he said.

“You voted for a better Nigerian. I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy. Renewed hope has dawned and landed on Nigeria. I represent a promise and with your support, I know that promise will be fulfilled.”

Tinubu described the presidential election campaign as “competitive and high-spirited” while asking the opposition to give room for reconciliation and cooperation.

“Political competition must now give way to political conciliation and inclusive governance,” he said.

“During the election, you may have been my opponent but you were never my enemy. In my heart, you are my brothers.

“Still, I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results. It is your right to seek legal recourse. What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence.”

He also reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari’s admonition that aggrieved candidates should challenge the outcome in court — “and not in the streets”.