The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented the Certificate of Return to President Muhammadu Buhari following his re-election.
He was declared the winner of the presidential election in the early hours of Wednesday after he polled a total of 15,191,847 votes to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who scored 11,262,978 votes.
In his acceptance speech, he thanked God and his supporters for the victory, adding that the elections were free and fair.
The hard work to deliver a better Nigeria continues, building on the foundations of peace, rule of law and opportunities for all. 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. pic.twitter.com/E0O5To78mL
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) February 27, 2019
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“From the comment of several observers both local and foreign, it is obvious that the elections were both free and fair.
“Now that the elections are over and the winner declared, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria, our dear country”, he said.
He also promised that his administration would consolidate its previous promises while running an all-inclusive and open-door policy.
See photos from the ceremony below and his full speech.
Read the full speech below.
I am grateful to God for sparing our lives to witness another milestone in our democratic development, namely the conclusion of the Presidential elections in an overwhelmingly peaceful manner.
I wish Mr Chairman, to congratulate all the presidential candidates and their teams on a hard-fought campaign.
We may have had different views during the campaign but the one thing most of us have in common is the love for our country and the desire to improve conditions for Nigerians.
From the comment of several observers both local and foreign, it is obvious that the elections were both free and fair.
Now that the elections are over and the winner declared, we must all see it as victory for Nigeria, our dear country.
It is why I encouraged my teaming supporters in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat. Our God-given victory is enough course for joy without dragging those that are in opposition.
All Nigerians going forward must stand in brotherhood for a bright and fulfilling future.
I, therefore, want to say that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interests 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 dreams – safe, secure, prosperous and free of impunity.
The hard work to deliver a better Nigeria continues, building on the foundations of peace, rule of Law and opportunities for all. We will roll up our sleeves afresh and give it our all.
We have no other motive than to serve Nigerians with our hearts and might.
We will build a nation which we and generations to come will 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 campaigns and those at home and abroad who expressed confidence in me and the APC government. I thank you all.
I can assure you that you will see the 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.
To those who lost their lives either though accidents or mindless violence during the course of these elections, my hearts and thoughts are with the families of the victims. May God comfort and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
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.
Thank you all and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
