2023 election: Peter Obi, Atiku, others represent important constituencies, says Tinubu

Nigeria president Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his political opponents as members of important constituencies in the country.

Former vice president Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party’s Peter Obi lost to Tinubu at the 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes to defeat fellow contenders, Atiku who polled 6,984,520 votes, Obi with 6,101,533 votes to come third and candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso with 1,496,687 votes.

Speaking after his swearing in as president, Tinubu noted that he sees his political opponents as fellow compatroits.

“The outcome of the 2023 presidential election reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents nor does it render them any less patriotic,” Tinubu said.

“They shall forever be my fellow compatriots and I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore.

“They have taken their concerns to court. Seeking legal redress is their right and I fully defend their exercise of this right. This is the essence of the rule of law.”

Amid criticsims and ongoing court cases against his election, Tinubu said the poll that brought him to office was fair and credible.

“In this vein, may I offer a few comments regarding the election that brought us to this juncture. It was a hard fought contest. And it was also fairly won,” Tinubu said.

“Since the advent of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not held an election of better quality.”