Voice Air Media News Update
On the morning of Wednesday, the 1st of March 2023, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2023 presidential election. This was announced by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at the National Collation Centre in Abuja.
Tinubu’s victory came after a keenly contested election in which 17 other candidates participated. He secured a total of 8,794,726 votes, which was the highest of all the candidates, thus fulfilling the first constitutional requirement for being declared the winner. Additionally, Tinubu scored over 25% of the votes cast in 30 states, which was more than the constitutionally required 25 states.
The victory of the APC candidate has generated mixed reactions across the country, with some expressing excitement and others expressing disappointment. Supporters of the APC have been seen celebrating in the streets, while supporters of other political parties have been seen mourning their loss.
As expected, the runner-up in the election was Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who polled a total of 6,984,520 votes. The candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, came third in the election with a total of 6,101,533 votes, while Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) came fourth with a total of 1,496,687 votes.
It is noteworthy that only the top four candidates won the presidential election in at least one state. Each of Tinubu, Atiku, and Obi won in 12 states, while Kwankwaso won only in Kano. However, winning a majority of states is not a requirement for a candidate to be declared the winner of the election.
The announcement of the election results has been followed by the presentation of certificates of return to the elected candidates. Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, were to be presented with their certificates later in the day. The new president-elect has promised to work tirelessly to meet the expectations of Nigerians and to take the country to greater heights.
The 2023 presidential election was keenly contested, with a lot of drama and tension leading up to the polls. However, despite the challenges and controversies, the election was largely peaceful, and the outcome has been accepted by the majority of Nigerians.
As the country prepares for a new era of leadership under Tinubu, there is a renewed sense of hope and optimism among Nigerians. The expectation is that the new president-elect will deliver on his promises and move the country forward towards progress and development.