President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday received his certificate of return as winner of the 2019 presidential election, promising that his government will remain inclusive.
But the runner-up in the polls Atiku Abubakar rejected the outcome of the election and vowed to challenge it in court.
The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu issued the return certificates to Buhari alongside his running mate Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.
Yakubu had earlier declared the president winner at the same venues.
The president and his vice who arrived at the ICC in company of their wives at about 2:10pm received their certificates at about 2:20pm amidst cheers at the event attended by some state governors, ministers, government officials and APC stalwarts led by its National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole.
Mr Osinbajo was the first to receive his certificate from Mr Yakubu followed by Mr Buhari.
The INEC chairman said Electoral Act requires that winners of elections to be given their certificate of return within seven days.
Speaking after receiving his certificate, President Buhari said “From the comments of several observers both local and foreign, it is obvious that the elections were both free and fair.”
He said “now that the elections are over, and a winner declared, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria, our dear country. That was why I encouraged my teeming supporters, in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat. Our God-given victory is enough cause for joy, without deriding those who were in the opposition. All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future.
“I, therefore, want to assure that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart. Our Government will remain inclusive and our doors will remain open. That is the way to build the country of our dream; safe, secure, prosperous, and free of impunity and primitive accumulation by those entrusted with public offices.”
The president, who said the hard work to deliver a better Nigeria continues, added that “We have no other motive than to serve Nigeria with our hearts and might, and build a nation which we and generations to come can be proud of.
“I am very grateful to the over 15 million citizens who voted for me, those who contributed in many ways in the running of our successful campaign, and those at home and abroad who expressed confidence in me and the APC Government. I thank you all.
“I can assure that you will see a country moving to the Next Level, as we consolidate on our fundamental areas of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption. Many other focal areas, as stated in our campaign manual, will be added, to the good things we plan for our country.”
While paying tribute to those who lost their lives either through accidents or violence during the course of the elections, President Buhari said his heart and thoughts are with the families of the victims and prayed that God comforts and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
He said, “Election is not war, and should never be seen as a do or die affair. I pray that we all accept this democratic approach to elections, however contentious.”
Earlier at the APC campaign office, Buhari said “We will strive to strengthen our unity and inclusiveness so that no section or group will feel left behind or left out.”
He also thanked Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Adams Oshiomhole and Rotimi Amaechi and the millions of Nigerians who voted for his reelection as president for the next four years.
