Tinubu, President Buhari and Aisha Buhari.
Aisha Buhari has told Nigerians to accept Tinubu’s victory as the will of God.
Newsone had reported earlier that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.
This online news platform understands that the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu declared Tinubu the winner at exactly 4.10 am today in Abuja. By this declaration, Tinubu would be the 16th leader of Nigeria since independence in 1960.
The former Lagos state governor polled total votes of 8,794,726 to defeat his closest rival and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar who scored 6,984,520 votes, and Peter Obi of Labour party who polled 6,101,533 votes.
Newsone Nigeria reports that the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso came a distant fourth with total votes of 1,496,687 votes.
Yakubu said the registered voters for the election were 93,469,008, while 25,286,616 voters were accredited.
The INEC Chairman put the total valid votes at 24,025,940, while the total rejected votes were 939,278. He said the total number of votes cast was 24,965,218.
He declared: “I certify that I am the returning officer for the 2023 presidential election held on the 25th of February 2003.
“That Tinubu Bola Ahmed of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and returned elected. The Certificate of Return to the president-elect and Vice president-elect will take place here at 3 pm today.”
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, also subsequently issued Mr. Tinubu a “Certificate of Return” the same day.
Reacting to Tinubu’s victory, Aisha Buhari, Nigeria’s First Lady, and wife to President Muhammadu Buhari asked Nigerians to keep diversity and interest aside and accept the victory of Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, as the will of God.
Newsone reports that Aisha spoke on Thursday, March 2, 2023, when she received Oluremi Tinubu and Nana Shettima, wives of the president-elect and vice-president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The outing First Lady said Tinubu’s victory in the election was a triumph for all Nigerians, assuring that he would not betray the citizens.
“Regardless of our interests and diversity, we should all accept it as a will of Almighty God, we wouldn’t have done it without his grace,” Aisha said
“It is a victory for all Nigerians. I am optimistic that the president-elect will not betray the trust and confidence that Nigerians reposed in him. It is now time to move on and focus on the path of renewed hope for Nigerian women and youths.
“So, my sister we count on your experience and interest in promoting the cause of women, youths, and girl-child education.”
She encouraged the wife of the president-elect to continue to provide support for women and girl-child empowerment in the country.
“The task is arduous but with your determination I believe is surmountable. I pray that come May 29, your position as first lady will be marked with joy and continued success,” she added.
“We look forward to the advancement of Nigerian women and their inclusion in the affairs of our nation’s development.
While commending the wife of the president for her role in the success of the presidential election, Oluremi Tinubu said that Aisha has demonstrated her motherly duty to the country through courage and wisdom.
“We want to thank you sincerely for how you’ve been able to bring us together as a campaign team for the APC, especially the women’s presidential campaign team. You really showed a lot of wisdom, dexterity, and courage in the way you put us together,” she said.
“I remember coming here to ask for your permission and also to solicit support when we were about to begin the campaign.
“As you’ve come here safely, you will live in your home in good health, divine health, and whatever you decide to do; God will be there with you, thank you so much for the love you have shown to us.”