The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday morning entered into a social contract with Nigerians to provide a leadership that will lead the country to greater heights.
He said his presidency will provide the much-needed impetus that will make the country achieve its dreams.
In his acceptance speech titled: “the Era of Renewed Hope” hours after he was declared winner of the February 25 Presidential election by the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood, the APC flag bearer said he was humbled by his election and accepted to serve the country to the best of his ability.
Addressing a large crowd of elated party supporters in the early hours of Wednesday at the party’s Presidential Campaign Council headquarters in Abuja, Tinubu said: “I am profoundly humbled that you have elected me to serve as the 16th President of our beloved republic. This is a shining moment in the life of any man and an affirmation of our democratic existence. From my heart, I say thank you.
“Whether you are Batified, Atikulated, Obidient, Kwankwasiyya, or have any other political affiliation, you voted for a better, more hopeful nation and I thank you for your participation and dedication to our democracy.
“You decided to place your trust in the democratic vision of a Nigeria founded on shared prosperity and one nurtured by the ideals of unity, justice, peace and tolerance. Renewed hope has dawned in Nigeria.”
Tinubu, who spoke off text for a while further said: ” I have just been declared the elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby accept to serve. I accept the serious mandate given to me. I will work to make Nigeria great.
“I thank the Nigerian people for their abiding belief in our democracy. I shall be a fair leader to all Nigerians. I will be in tune with your aspirations, charge up your energies and harness your talents to deliver a nation that we can be proud of.
“Today, you have given me the greatest honour you can bestow on one man.
“In return, I will give you my utmost as your next president and commander-in-chief. Peace, unity and prosperity shall be the cornerstones of the society we intend to build. When you gaze upon what we shall accomplish in the coming years, you shall speak with pride at being a Nigerian.”
The President-elect who was flanked by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, his running mate and Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima pay glowing tribute to the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free and fair election.
According to him: “We commend INEC for running a free and fair election. The lapses that did occur were relatively few and were immaterial to the outcome. With each cycle of elections, we steadily perfect this process so vital to our democratic life.”
He affirmed that “Today, Nigeria stands tall as the giant of Africa. It shines even brighter as the continent’s biggest democracy.”
Tinubu also acknowledged the support received from President Muhammadu Buhari who led his campaign council as chairman, stressing that “he has shown that he is a truly patriotic person.”
He also singled out the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima for his commitment and dedication.
“To the Progressive Governors of our party and this nation, to the party leadership, to our loyal party members. I owe you a debt of gratitude. To the entire campaign organization, I thank you sincerely.
“I thank my loving wife and dear family whose support was ceaseless and inspiring. Without you, this victory would not be possible.
