Tinubu reaches out to Atiku, Obi, others

Nigeria’s president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reached out to his opponents in the presidential race including Abubakar Atiku, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, seeking their cooperation in the country’s governance.

“To … former VP Atiku, former governor Kwankwaso, former governor Obi and all others, I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign, conducted with decorum, courage and respect for one another, ” Tinubu said in his acceptance speech, adding that the “political competition must now give way to political conciliation and inclusive governance.”

Tinubu urged any aggrieved candidate to seek legal redress, instead of recourse to street actions.

The former Lagos governor equally urged the youths to support him irrespective of their political leanings.

He said, 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.

“Yes, there are divisions amongst us that should not exist. Many people are uncertain, angry and hurt; I reach out to every one of you. Let the better aspects of our humanity step forward at this fateful moment. Let us begin to heal and bring calm to our nation.

Now, to you, the young people of this country, I hear you loud and clear. I understand your pains, your yearnings for good governance, a functional economy and a safe nation that protects you and your future.

“I am aware that for many of you, Nigeria has become a place of abiding challenges limiting your ability to see a bright future for yourselves. I guarantee you a prosperous life coming as a result of your perseverance.”

Tinubu assured that “Peace, unity and prosperity shall be the cornerstones of the society we intend to build.”