Over twelve presidential candidates that participated in the last presidential elections on Monday accepted defeat and congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari who was declared the winner of the poll by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The candidates under the aegis of Forum of Presidential Candidates and Political Parties for Good Governance who made their position known at a press conference held in Abuja said Buhari's victory was well deserved.
The Chairman of the Forum, Shittu Kabir while making the decision of the group known, said
“We are indeed not oblivious of the fact that only one candidate will emerge as president. Now that the candidate of the APC, President Buhari has been re-elected, we have no qualms accepting his victory.
“Permit this opportunity to congratulate President Buhari on his well-deserved victory at the polls. The pattern of voting, the large turn-out and country-wide endorsement of Buhari attest to the fact that Nigerians are pleased with him, his style of leadership and performance in the last three and half years.”
Kabir, who is a member of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), appealed to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the election, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, not to contest Buhari’s victory in court. He urged the PDP to put Nigeria above primordial sentiment at this crucial time by respecting the verdict of the citizens, who gave their votes to support Buhari’s re-election.
“We strongly urge Alhaji Abubakar to drop the legal option in expressing his grievances. This is consistent with the counsel of many well-meaning Nigerians, including Chief Olisa Agbakoba and General Ibrahim Babangida.
“We think he has a lot more to contribute to developing humanity and promoting peace and progress in our nation, even without holding any political office,” he said.
