President-Elect, Gen Buhari, gives Acceptance Speech
The President elect of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari, has accepted the congratulations of the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, and commended him for showing statesmanship by conceding defeat even before his declaration as the winner.
After his declaration as the winner of the Presidential election by the chairman of the electoral body, General Buhari gave his acceptance speech, saying:
“At exactly 5:15 yesterday (Tuesday) evening, President Jonathan called to congratulate me on my victory. For this, I want all Nigerians to join me in congratulating and appreciating Mr President for his statesmanship. President Jonathan was a worthy opponent. I extend my hand of fellowship to him.
“I look forward to meeting him soon, as we plan the transition from one administration to another. He will receive nothing but cooperation and understanding from me, who led this nation to democracy.”
He also thanked Nigerians for their belief in him, saying their stand and determination made his election possible because they believed in the future of Nigeria and democracy.
He continued: “I thank all Nigerians who have made this day possible, our country has now joined the community of nations that have used the ballot box to physically change an incumbent president in a free, fair election.
“Most people will welcome the result because it is the one they voted for. Others will literarily be disappointed. I ask that we all be circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these times. This was a hard-fought contest. Emotions were high. We must not allow them to get the better of us. This is not the time for confrontation.
“This is a moment that we must begin to heal the wounds and work toward a better future. We do this first by extending a hand of friendship and conciliation across the political divide. We hope and pray our friends in other parties reciprocate.
“You stood in line patiently for hours. In the rain, in the sun and then in the dark to cast your votes. Even when the vote was extended to Sunday in some places, you still performed your civic duties. You did so peacefully.
“You voted with your heart. Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria’s future can be better than what it is today. You voted for change and now change has come.
“INEC has released the official result of the Presidential Election. It has declared that I gained the most votes with the required spread and won this election.
“In a more profound way, it is you, Nigerians that have won,” he stressed.
General Buhari further thanked his party, the media, civil society and security agents for their selfless service, pointing out that it strengthened Nigeria’s democracy.