Residents of Awka community in Anambra state have reacted to INEC’s declaration of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winner of the 2023 presidential election.
While some commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for fulfilling its constitutional role peacefully, others were of the opinion that the outcome of the Presidential election was not a true reflection of their votes at the polls.
A retired army Colonel, Ben Nwozor, described the outcome as the “will of God”, and advised “anyone aggrieved” to go to court “instead of doing otherwise”.
Another respondent, Dr Valentine Oliobi said despite the fact that the candidate’s of the ruling party could not win in their various states, the party was still able to meet up with the requirements of the Electoral Act.
Another resident of the city, Kenechukwu Udechukwu, who commended INEC for overseeing a “smooth electoral process”, observed that the voting pattern seen in the results announced reflected the will of Nigerians.
Also contributing, Comrade Paschal Candle, another resident of Awka, said irrespective of the outcome of the polls, “the people should remember that they are Nigerians before becoming members of different political parties”.
Comrade Candle called on the President -Elect to ensure a “genuine national reconciliation” when he assumes office. He said it was important for Senator Tinubu to “ensure equal treatment” for every Nigerian, irrespective of their religion or tribe.
As for Ebuka Onyrkwelu, the election process and the outcome were a “total departure from what used to happen in the past”. Now, he said, voters can truly elect candidates of their choice, with sitting governors loosing out in their senatorial quests in some states.
Reporting by Uche Ndeke; Editing by Julian Osamoto and Tony Okerafor