It noted that due to the steps taken by the government, the presidential poll was an improvement on previous polls; an achievement it said should not be overlooked.
He appreciated former ambassadors, Mark Green and Johnnie Carson, as well as other foreign observers for their concerns over the logistics of the elections in Nigeria and their work as observers on the National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute Election Observation Missions.
He said the biggest and the most competitive presidential election in the history of Nigeria has been won by one man, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Noting that it is worth setting their comments in context, Shehu recalled that “the US State Department congratulated President-elect Bola Tinubu of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC and the people of Nigeria on the outcome of the “competitive election.”
British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, he recalled, was also quick to congratulate the winner on this victory, and so did many others in ECOWAS and the African Union.
He said, “Though it is true there were some delays and technical faults in the process that we can learn from – as is the case in any election the world over – the vote progressed and consolidated democracy in Nigeria.
“The integrity of the Electoral Act of 2022 was strengthened. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System cut out ghost, unauthorised or multiple votes to stem fraud.”
According to him, the next step is for INEC to ensure transparency in collation.
He continued: “Adverse reactions as received from some quarters are themselves a part of the learning process for everyone.
“Elsewhere, the world had been treated to epic lies, obfuscation, jingoism, and hate, and told by global media to expect a different outcome. Nigerians shocked the world by refusing religious hatred and sectarian politics.
“All true friends of Nigeria should join the people in proceeding forward for sustainable peace.
“APC victory in the presidential election, underscored by the nationwide wave of support in the National Assembly results, is a clear mandate for the party to retain power for another term of four years.
“This election is an improvement on past elections and due credit should be given to the government and people of this country”.
