PDP chieftain asks Atiku, others to accept election outcome

A former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema has called on the presidential candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other contestants to receive the results of the presidential election.

The results of the election, which was held on Saturday, are being collated but the PDP, Labor Party and former President Olusegun Obasanjo have accused the electoral body of insincerity.

Mr. Shema, in a statement titled “For the benefit of Nigeria” said the election was peaceful but had challenges.

He said no matter the challenges, Nigerians must work together to make the process successful.

“This election was generally recognized as peaceful, but not without some challenges, so we must work together to achieve a peaceful outcome and continue to support the progress of our country and its people, in peace, harmony and peace. progress for all Nigerians, because without peace there is no there is a nation that can endure and no leader can succeed,” he said.

Mr. Shema, also a former PDP national deputy chairman (north), called on the contestants and other politicians to support democratic institutions to enable them to do the job.

“Our democratic institutions must be encouraged and supported to play their role according to the law of the land.

“Let us also be reminded that there is no perfect election in the world or an election without complaints, and we cannot be an exception, but we must learn to manage the situation for the benefit of Nigeria and all Nigerians.

“This is also the time for * all the leading candidates in this contest * to come together and speak with one voice for the peace, unity, and stability of this country we are aiming for,” he said.

Mr. Shema also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to look into the complaints filed by political parties.

“On a final note, INEC must look into genuine and legitimate concerns and complaints, but in doing so it must act strictly in accordance with the law of the land*. They will still be accused, abused and insulted, but that will not stop them from doing what is right according to conviction.

Below is SHEMA’S SPEECH

IN THE INTEREST OF NIGERIA

I begin with the name of God Almighty, who knows what will happen before.

1. I will start this as an * appeal to all our leaders, men and women of goodwill * to speak for the NATIONAL INTEREST together at a critical stage of our National life, and also acknowledge what has been said.

2. We also need to anchor *our democracy in the rule of law* so that we can build a lasting system that will succeed.

3. *Our Democratic Institutions* must be encouraged and supported to play their role according to the laws of the land.

4. Let us remind you that there is no perfect election anywhere in the world or election without complaints, and we cannot be an exemption, but we must learn to manage our situation in the interest of Nigeria and for all Nigerians.

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5. At this intersection, the interests of sections, tribes, religions, individuals, or groups must give way to *National and Collective Interest*.

6. I also invite all * political, regional, religious, traditional, and business leaders * to join hands in supporting and deepening Nigerian democracy in * peace and unity * to calm our nation.

7. It’s time for *all the candidates who excel in this competition* to come together and speak with one voice for the peace, unity, and stability of the country they are aiming for.

8. By God’s special grace, we must not forget that we are the *greatest black nation in the world* and proud of all black men and women, blessed with abundant wealth and material resources, thus becoming our leader. role in Africa is our responsibility we must not fail to do.

9. I also call on the *global Democratic family around the world, especially our international friends, nations, and partners*, to not stop in their efforts to support our growing democracy under the rule of law.

10. These elections are generally recognized as peaceful, but not without challenges, so we must work together to achieve a peaceful outcome and continue to support the progress of our country and its people, in harmony, in peace. and progress for all Nigerians, because without peace no nation can survive and no leader can succeed.

11. I can not end this appeal without asking the media (all categories) to stand up and be counted in this hour of our nation’s need to reduce the tension in the country and not do anything to escalate it. Its role is critical as it can contribute immensely to the peace and stability of Nigeria.

12. On a final note, *INEC must examine genuine and legitimate concerns and complaints, but in doing so must act strictly in consonance with the law of the land*. He will still be accused, abused, and insulted, but that will not stop him from doing what is right under the law.

13. Our *security agencies* must also ensure the effectiveness of their constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerians everywhere.

14. May Almighty God, the ruler and ruler of the world, bless Nigeria with a peaceful outcome in the election.

enter
Ibrahim S. Shema (CON)
(King of the Hausa Empire)
Former Governor of Katsina State
Date – February 28, 2023.