BY Taiwo George
President Goodluck Jonathan has commended Nigerians for turning out en masse for Saturday’s poll, saying he has fulfilled his promise of delivering free and fair election.
Jonathan, who earlier congratulated Muhammadu Buhari, the winner of the election, said he had succeeded in deepening the country’s democracy.
“I thank you all for turning out en masse for the March 28 general election,” he said in a statement issued by Reuben Abati, his special adviser on media and publicity.
“I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word. I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see endure.
“Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.”
Jonathan expressed appreciation to the members of his party, saying emphasis should be placed on the unity and stability of the country.
“As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else,” he said.
“To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your support. Today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning. We have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.
“For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a Pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social transformation.
“Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party and look to the future with renewed optimism.
“I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.”
Buhari, who ran under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled over 15 million votes ahead of Jonathan, who secured over 12 million.
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