Explained: How Tinubu Won, as INEC presents certificate of return today
Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, has won the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Tinubu received 8,794,726 votes, while his closest rival, former vice president Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), received 6,994,789 votes.
Tinubu’s victory was announced by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu at the International Collation Centre in Abuja on Wednesday. Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party split the votes for PDP in Kano state while Rivers also ensured the APC candidate clingy 25 percent of votes.
Atiku and Peter Obi of the Labour Party each won 12 states, while Kwankwaso won only one. Tinubu’s lead over Atiku was significant, with a margin of 1.8 million votes.
A total of 17 candidates ran for the presidency, representing various political parties. Aside from Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso, other major candidates included Dumebi Kachikwu of the African Democratic Congress and Omoyele Sowore of the Africa Action Congress.
Tinubu’s victory is significant for several reasons. It marks the first time that an APC candidate has won a presidential election without incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari on the ballot. It also extends Tinubu’s influence beyond his native South-West region and cements his position as a major player in Nigerian politics.
The election was largely peaceful, with INEC reporting a turnout of 74.2%. However, there were reports of election-related violence and irregularities in some parts of the country, and INEC has pledged to investigate any instances of misconduct.
©Standard Gazette, 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Standard Gazette with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.