The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificate of return to President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
The president, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won a second term bid after polling over 15 million votes to defeat Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured over 12 million votes in Saturday’s general election.
Atiku has since rejected the result, vowing to challenge the process in court.
Top government officials were present at the International Conference Centre (ICC) where Buhari and Osinbajo were presented with their certificates.
Speaking at the event, Buhari said going by the comments of observers both local and foreign, the elections were free and fair.
The president said his government would continue to curb “primitive accumulation of wealth by those interested in public offices.”
“I wish to congratulate all the presidential candidates and their teams for a hard fought campaign. We may have had different views during the campaign but the one thing most of us had in common is the love for our country,” Buhari said.
“I therefore want to assure we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart. Our government will remain inclusive and our doors will remain open.”
