President Obasanjo’s Victory Speech: Triumph of Hope, April 23, 2003
We all owe gratitude to God Almighty for His inestimable love for our nation as expressed by His guidance of the electoral process so far and as concluded in the successful election results of the last two weeks.
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I place in God’s Almighty hands my personal victory from last Saturday’s Presidential election which has been formally declared by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
By all accounts, last Saturday saw the people of Nigeria turning out in record numbers to freely, transparently and fairly make their choice. I am, indeed, humbled by the fact that I am the people’s choice for the President and leader of Nigeria for the next four years.
I am profoundly overwhelmed by the magnitude of the mandate in which the voting pattern has cut across ethnic, regional, religious and even partisan lines. By defying the known elements of divisiveness in our society, the electorate has demonstrably endorsed my hopes and aspirations for a united, peaceful, strong and prosperous Nigeria.
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On behalf of myself, and on behalf of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, I wish to express my deepest gratitude and most sincere appreciation to each and every voter who reposed so much confidence in me by casting his or her vote in my favour. You have voted for continuity, stability and progress, and I humbly accept the challenge to consolidate the gains of the last four years while charting the course to a greater destiny for our nation.
“I equally appreciate the democratic contribution of those who voted for other contestants, by thus exercising their freedom of choice, they have strengthened the demcoratic culture that we are trying to build. The people of Nigeria have spoken, loud and clear, with their votes. They have voted for one united, harmonious Nigeria and no leader should deny them their hearts’ desire.
I am particularly proud of the manner in which the PDP, after nominating me as its flagbearer, has put up the brave electoral fight that underpinned my victory and that of 28 state governors-elect. Let me congratulate all PDP governors for winning their respective states. I want those governors to join me in expressing special appreciation to PDP chairman, who, together with other PDP leaders, officials and members at the national, state and local government levels, led the campaign that has once more affirmed PDP’s status as the party for Nigeria, as well as confirm it as Africa’s greatest party.
We salute the gallantry of the candidates from all other political parties. Their commitment to the electoral process and the enthusiastic participation of their supporters have enormously enhanced democracy in Nigeria. There have been losses and gains on all sides. Good politicians should be good sportsmen, showing magnanimity and humility in victory, and gallantry and good naturedness in defeat. You cannot accept victory and reject defeat, it is ungentlemanly and unsportsmanlike. One must, of course, commend the sportsmanship of those who conceded their defeat and even congratulated their victorious opponents. Of course, the electoral process makes room for seeking redress to complaints or impropriety through electoral tribunals. The law envisages that there can be electoral disputes and lays out how they should be handled. But the ultimate winner in these elections is the Nigerian nation, which has now gained more strength from the political dynamism of its citizens for a more secure, more peaceful and more prosperous future.
The public has observed, with considerable satisfaction, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continued to
improve on its management of the electoral process. I hope there will be further improvements in the elections coming up next week. On behalf of the entire Nigerian electorate, I commend INEC Chairman, his fellow commissioners and officials for their perseverance and the very remarkable performance in circumstances that are far from easy. Our intention to have a peaceful, free, transparent and fair elections cannot be in doubt judging by the number of national and international observers invited without any restriction or limitation to observe the elections.
Our commendation equally goes to the Inspector General of Police, his men and women, the officers and men of the Armed Forces, and other law enforcement agencies, whose vigilance, alertness and commitment to duty have so far ensured law and order, thus maintaining relative peace during the period of the elections.
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I also acknowledge with satisfaction the valuable contribution of traditional rulers community elders and leaders, religious leaders, the media and the civil society organisations, particularly national and international observers, to the entire electoral process, which has augmented its peaceful outcome.
I must particularly mention the consistency and enthusiasm of our women and youth in the democratic process. I thank our Christian and Moslem brothers and sisters who embarked on ceaseless prayers for peaceful conduct of the elections. No doubt, almighty God has answered our prayers so far.
Last Saturday’s elections may have marked a high-if not the highest-point in election 2003, but we have not reached the end yet, with more elections due next week Saturday, 3rd May. Nevertheless, the progress so far gives us confidence that Election 2003 will, by the Grace of God, defy the predictions of those who saw calamity in civilian transition.
All voters last Saturday like the Saturday before, deserve commendation for their expression of belief in the democratic process and their patience and tolerance even under an inclement weather. I was particularly touched by the determination, commitment and discipline of millions of our brothers and sisters particularly in the rural areas who patiently queued up for hours to cast their votes. Our programmes must touch their lives.
The experience of these voters must have convinced most of them that peaceful, free and fair elections are not only possible in Nigeria, but the best and the only way to discharge their civic responsibilities and to make Nigeria great again. We have abiding faith in the people’s wish to opt for peaceful elections. And they have so far proved us right.
Nigeria is impressively on course to the success of Election 2003 as reasonably free, fair and peaceful. Let us hold this position while we continue to pray, and to improve on the process and other elections, and by the Grace of God, when the final elections are completed, we will be celebrating the firm establishment of democracy in our country.
I am delighted to say that electorally, Nigeria has come of age. I stretch my hand of fellowship to all my co-contestants. Let all of us-contestants, losers and winners, electorate, men and women-join hands in the task of rebuilding and developing Nigeria.
May God bless Nigeria!
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