The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to concede defeat having lost in the February 23rd presidential election.
A statement by Muhammad Ibrahim-Biu, ACF National Publicity Secretary, made available to newsmen in Kaduna, said Mr. Abubakar should accept the will of the people and saluted the courage of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for putting up a gallant fight with an impressive performance
in the presidential elections.
The ACF, which supported Mr. Buhari against Mr. Abubakar, also urged other contestants to be magnanimous in defeat and congratulate their opponents who won.
The forum commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting smooth and transparent elections, and refusing to be intimidated or cajoled by the initial logistic challenges which led to the postponement of the elections by one week and other unfortunate incidences.
ACF also commended resilient Nigerians for their personal sacrifices to not only exercise their franchise by voting candidates of their choice but also to ensure that their votes got counted.
The forum equally salute other stakeholders, especially the National Peace Committee of General Abdusalami Abubakar, foreign and domestic election observers and many others for their wise counsel and commitment to peaceful election.
It also appreciated the efforts of security agencies in making the elections relatively peaceful.
The forum congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, on his reelection and tasked him to strengthen national unity and inclusiveness so that no section or group is left out.
On the forthcoming governorship and legislative elections, the ACF called on INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders to tackle the problems of distribution of election materials, card reader glitches, ballot box snatching and others, before the election day.
Similarly, a former Information Minister, Mr. Tony Momoh has advised Mr. Abubakar to concede defeat and congratulate Mr. Buhari.
Mr. Momoh gave the advice in a telephone interview in Lagos while reacting to the declaration of President Buhari as the winner of the polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mr. Momoh, said Mr. Abubakar, would earn respect, nationally and internationally, if he accepts the outcome of the results as the wish of the people.
The former minister also advised Mr. Abubakar, not to go to court but call to congratulate Mr. Buhari as former President Goodluck Jonathan did in 2015.
He said the singular act made Mr. Jonathan an instant hero, adding that Mr. Abubakar, could earn the same status if he allows national interest to rise above his personal ambition.
Comments are closed for this post.