President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday said despite his defeat in the hands of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) of the All Progressives Congress in the last presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party should be celebrating rather than mourning.
In his statement after the announcement of the election result, Jonathan said the PDP should be rejoicing because it had, in the last 16 years, steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics.
He said, “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.”
The President thanked all Nigerians for the opportunity given him to lead the country.
He assured them that he would continue to do his best at the helm of national affairs until the end of his tenure on May 29.
Jonathan disclosed that he had conveyed his personal best wishes to Buhari and prayed that God continue to bless Nigeria.
While thanking Nigerians for turning out en-masse for the March 28 elections, he said he had kept his promise to bequeath the culture of free and fair elections to the country.
He added that he had also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process, saying that is one legacy he would like to see endured.
Jonathan said although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, those who might feel aggrieved should follow due process based on the constitution and electoral laws in seeking redress.
He added, “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.”
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