President Bola Tinubu declared that the highly contested 2023 general elections are a testament to the vitality of democracy in Nigeria.
Delivering his inaugural address on the occasion of Democracy Day on June 12, Tinubu emphasized the significance of the democratic process and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by heroes of democracy.
The newly inaugurated President acknowledged that the 2023 elections demonstrated the continued existence of a thriving democracy in Nigeria.
He highlighted one of democracy’s core virtues, which allows for the possibility of winners today becoming losers tomorrow, and vice versa.
“This year marked the seventh cycle of elections, which have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice since 1999. The intensity of these polls serves as positive evidence that democracy is indeed alive and well in our nation. While those who emerged victorious celebrate their triumph, it is natural for the disappointed and disenchanted losers to feel a sense of frustration. Nonetheless, democracy offers the chance for today’s winners to taste defeat in the future and for today’s losers to compete and succeed in the forthcoming elections.”
Tinubu further stressed that those unwilling to accept defeat in elections should not expect to relish the joy of victory when their turn comes.
Additionally, he underscored the significance of utilizing constitutional avenues, such as seeking redress in court, for those who disagree with election outcomes.
This, he argued, is a key reason why democracy remains the most exceptional form of governance devised by mankind.