Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has claimed that the presidential election on February 25 was free, fair, and credible.
Tinubu stated this in a signed statement titled “Nigeria: On the Verge of Renewed Hope,” which was released on Thursday in Abuja.

He stated that a fair and credible election was held and won, and that the honor of that victory, as well as the heavy responsibility that comes with it, has fallen on him.

Many Nigerians, according to Tinubu, voted for other candidates and are naturally disappointed that their preferred candidate did not win.

The president-elect said he appreciates his opponents’ decision to challenge the outcome of the presidential election in court.

He, on the other hand, stated that while his opponents are free to exercise their legal rights, he has set his sights on leading this country.

He said, “A fair, credible election has been held and has been won. The honour of that victory and the steep responsibility it entails has fallen on me. I say this not to gloat or boast because there is no room for such behaviour. I merely state the facts as they are. I realise many good and well-meaning Nigerians voted for other candidates. They are naturally disappointed that their favoured candidate did not win.

“Other candidates have voiced their dissatisfaction, stating they will go to court to contest the election. This is inherent to the democratic process. We defend their right to seek legal recourse. While they exercise the legal rights afforded them in our democracy, I have set my course and mind on the leadership of this nation. We have important work to do and I am committed to getting that work done for the benefit of all the people, whether or not they voted for me or even voted at all.’’

Tinubu said it was not the time for continued acrimony and partisan recrimination, adding that negative things that could incite violence were not the pathway to a better nation.

He also refuted claims by some critics that the country’s political system is fragmented because of the impressive showing of new parties and their candidates.

He added, “Critics of Nigeria have been too quick to conclude that our political system is fragmented because of the impressive showing of new parties and their candidates.

“These critics are wrong. The emergence of the new parties and their candidates underscores the dynamic strength of our democracy. People want democracy to work and they want to have their voices heard and interests met within it. This is a good thing to be promoted, not something to be feared.

“What must concern Nigerians is not the growth of parties but the regrowth of old prejudices and bigotries such as ethnicity, creed and place of origin.

“As a nation and individuals imbued with the love of God and of fellow man, Nigerians were better than this, adding that at some point the citizens must decide whether they shall be enticed by the ills of the past or more bravely and nobly be encouraged by the eminent prospect of a brighter future.