Jonathan Delivers Concession Speech
President Goodluck Jonathan released an official
statement, a concession speech, after the
announcement of the presidential election
results.
Based on the figures on the 36 states, Muhammadu
Buhari, the All Progressives Congress candidate,
won.
Even before the INEC gave the figures from Borno
state, Jonathan called Buhari to personally
congratulate him.
Here is the public message, provided by The Nation.
“Fellow Nigerians,
“I thank you all for turning out en-masse for the
March 28 General Elections.
“I promised the country free and fair elections. I have
kept my word. I have also expanded the space for
Nigerians to participate in the democratic process.
That is one legacy I will like to see endure
“Although some people have expressed mixed
feelings about the results announced by the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I
urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due
process based on our constitution and our electoral
laws, in seeking redress.
“As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is
worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability
and progress of our dear country is more important
than anything else.
I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going
through the process of the March 28th General
Elections with the commendable enthusiasm and
commitment that was demonstrated nationwide.
“I also commend the Security Services for their role
in ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful
and violence-free.
“To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your
support. Today, the PDP should be celebrating rather
than mourning. We have established a legacy of
democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth
and free and fair elections.
“For the past 16 years, we have steered the country
away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a
Pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our
people the realities of economic development and
social transformation.
“Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the
biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history.
We must stand together as a party and look to the
future with renewed optimism.
“I thank all Nigerians once again for the great
opportunity I was given to lead this country and
assure you that I will continue to do my best at the
helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.
“I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General
Muhammadu Buhari.
May God Almighty continue to bless the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
“I thank you all.”
Meanwhile numerous politicians are praising
Jonathan for conceding defeat. Speaking on the issue,
Nigeria’s former vice president Atiku Abubakar
thanked GEJ for his gesture
by which he won the admiration of the world.
