Jonathan Congratulates Buhari on his Victory

In a rare show of democratic strength, President Goodluck
Jonathan has called his main challenger, Major General
Muhamadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC), to
congratulate him on his victory at the March 28 presidential
poll.
President Jonathan's call to congratulate Buhari about
5.05 pm yesterday, much before the final results were
eventually announced by the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega,
in the wee hours of this morning, drew applause from major
national leaders, who described the president's gesture as
quite statesmanly.
In a statement by President Jonathan last night, he
expressed appreciation to all Nigerians who participated in
the polls and expressed satisfaction that he had expanded
the democratic space in the country, wherein a free and fair
election could be held.
According to him, “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”.
He enjoined his supporters who may want to protest the
outcome of the poll to refrain from such actions.
“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.
“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.
"I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going through
the process of the March 28th general elections with the
commendable enthusiasm and commitment that was
demonstrated nationwide.
I also commend the security services for their role in
ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful and
violence-free.
"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," he said.
President Jonathan, who appreciated the opportunity to
serve his fatherland at the highest capacity, pledged to
continually uphold the tenet of service until his
administration ends on May 29. He further confirmed
having congratulated Buhari.
“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.
I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General
Muhammadu Buhari.
Confirming Jonathan’s congratulatory call to Buhari, the
National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai
Mohammed, said the president had exhibited an uncommon
courage and exemplary character by accepting defeat in
such a swift manner.
President Jonathan’s call has doused the tension and
anxiety that had enveloped the land for fear of post-election
violence, as many of his avid supporters have also
congratulated the president elect.
Leading other African observers, former Head of State, Gen
Abdulsalami Abubakar, also visited the presidential villa
yesterday to specially commend President Jonathan for the
sportsmanly conduct of conceding victory without a fuss.