The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has conveyed its warm congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the verdict delivered by the Rt Justice John Okoro-led seven-man panel of the Supreme Court.
In a statement, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, applauded President Tinubu’s victory and appealed to him to demonstrate magnanimity in his triumph.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also appealed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to emulate the statesmanship displayed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 by congratulating President Tinubu.
The statement reads: “The apex court, in its wisdom, has upheld the victory of President Tinubu as the authentic and rightful winner of the 2023 February 25th Presidential elections. This momentous development marks the official end of the electoral process for the 2023 elections. Ohanaeze Ndigbo commends the Supreme Court for its diligent review of the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. The verdict of the Supreme Court brings finality and closure to the electoral disputes.”
The organization encouraged Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to reach out to President Tinubu, their primary political opponent in the 2023 election, and extend their congratulations on his Supreme Court victory. Such a gesture of sportsmanship and statesmanship, according to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, would demonstrate their commitment to the democratic process and send a powerful message of unity to their supporters, fostering reconciliation and national unity.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also called on President Tinubu to extend the hand of friendship and unity to Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, setting a positive example for national cohesion and progress.
The organization urged the diaspora chapter of NADECO (National Democratic Coalition) to refrain from actions that may perpetuate division and animosity towards President Tinubu, emphasizing the need to prioritize the collective interests of the nation and work together for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the welfare and interests of the Igbo people and all Nigerians, commending the Supreme Court’s verdict as a foundation for strengthening democratic ideals. The statement concluded with a call for unity and a brighter future under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
