NIPR commends President Buhari for second term victory

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the victory that handed him his second term in office.

President of NIPR, Mukthar Zubairu Sirajo, said the institute was pleased that for the first time in the country, 73 candidates contested the office of the President, pointing out that “this is a remarkable testimony that our democracy is becoming more progressive.”

According to him, the high number of candidates is also a clear demonstration of increased confidence, interest and willingness of citizens to contribute in the development of the nation at the highest level.

Besides, Sirajo also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for showing considerable capacity in managing the high number of presidential candidates.

“We congratulate candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Buhari, who was declared winner of the elections.

“We also congratulate Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the other 71 candidates and their political parties, not only for their spirited efforts but also for towing the path of peace in managing the outcomes of the elections.

“We also wish to commend the security agencies for the part they played in ensuring the security of lives and property across the country,” he stated.

However, Sirajo urged aggrieved parties to approach the law courts for redress, saying, “We encourage aggrieved candidates or parties to follow the processes provided within the laws of the federation to challenge the results.

“That is also an essential element of democracy. We commend the main opposition candidate, Atiku Abubakar for opting to follow the process of rule of law than allowing his followers to resort to violence.”