INEC’s result reflects will of Nigerians - Buhari

The President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari, said the result of Saturday’s presidential election declared by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reflected the will of Nigerians. 

Buhari said this while delivering his acceptance speech on the 2015 presidential election at the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Party (APC) in Abuja. “ INEC has released the official results of the presidential election. INEC has declared that I gained the most votes with the required spread and thus won this election.



“In a more profound way, it is you, Nigerians that have won. The people have shown their love for our nation and their belief in democracy. “The declaration of INEC accurately reflects the will of the people. “While there might have been some logistical obstacles and irregularities associated with the exercise, the result shall stand as what the people want,’’ Buhari said.

He commended Nigerians for casting their votes for him, saying “you stood in line patiently for hours in the sun, rain and then in the dark to cast your ballots. “Even when the vote was extended to Sunday in some places, you still performed your civic duty. You did so peacefully. “You voted with your heart. Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria’s future can be better than what it is today.

“You voted for change and now change has come’’. He said that Nigeria had now joined the commity of nations that had used the ballot box to peacefully change an incumbent president in a free and fair election. “To me this is indeed historic.’’ Buhari said while most people would welcome the result, others would naturally be disappointed. He therefore, urged Nigerians to be law abiding, peaceful, circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these times.

“This was a hard-fought contest. Emotions are high. We must not allow them to get the better of us. “This is not the time for confrontation. This is a moment that we must begin to heal the wounds and work toward a better future.’’ Buhari also pledged hand of fellowship to President Goodluck Jonathan, saying he would “receive nothing but understanding, cooperation and respect from me and my team”.

He said that at exactly 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, President Jonathan called to congratulate him on his victory. “For this I want all Nigerians to join me in congratulating and appreciating Mr President for his statesmanship. “President Jonathan engaged in a spirited campaign and was a worthy opponent. “I extend my hand of fellowship to him. I look forward to meeting him soon as we plan the transition from one administration to another,’’ he added.