The president-elect, Bola Tinubu says that the lapses that occurred in the Feb. 25 presidential and National Assembly election were relatively few in number and immaterial to the final outcome of the election.

Mr Tinubu was declared winner of the presidential poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The election was marred by controversies as reports of ballot snatching, overvoting and thuggery were reported in many states.

However, in his acceptance speech, Mr Tinubu, commended INEC for running a free and fair election, adding that with each cycle of elections, the electoral process would be perfected.

“With each cycle of elections, we steadily perfect this process so vital to our democratic life. Today, Nigeria stands tall as the giant of Africa.  

“It shines even brighter as the continent’s biggest democracy.I am profoundly humbled that you have elected me to serve as the 16th president of our beloved republic.

“This is a shining moment in the life of any man and affirmation of our democratic existence, from my heart, I say thank you,” Mr Tinubu said.

Mr Tinubu also extended his arms of friendship to his fellow contestants who had earlier called for the cancellation of the poll.

“To my fellow candidates, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, former Gov. Ibrahim Kwankwaso, of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former Gov. Peter Obi of Labour Party and many others.

“I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign, you have my utmost respect.

“Political competition must now give way to political conciliation and inclusive governance. During the election, you may have been my opponent, but you were never my enemy, in my heart, you are my brothers,” Mr Tinubu said.

(NAN)