Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the incoming president, dashed the hopes of supporters of a government of national unity on Thursday by emphasizing competence over such a political organization.
He claimed that, rather than seeking a government of national competence, his goal was higher than a government of national unity and that he would not appoint cabinet members on the basis of their religion.
“Nigeria: At the Cusp of Renewed Hope” was the title of Tinubu’s signed statement on Thursday, his first since the Independent National Electoral Commission declared him the winner of the March 1 election.
With 8, 794, 726 votes, the All Progressives Congress’s presidential candidate defeated Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Both Abubakar and Obi, who finished second and third in the election, are contesting the results in court and rejecting Tinubu’s offer of an arm of friendship. Nonetheless, some Nigerians considered forming a government of national unity to quell the protests over the election results.
In the statement, the president-elect addressed Nigerians and stated, “As your next president, I accept the work at hand. The idea of a government of national unity has been discussed. My goals are greater than that. I want a national competent government. I won’t let factors unrelated to competence and aptitude weigh down my decision while choosing my government. Political game-playing is no longer acceptable. To create a country that is safer, more wealthy, and just, I will unite capable men, women, and young people from all over Nigeria. Youths will be present. Women must take center stage. It will not affect your position in government if you choose to pray at a church or mosque. Competence and character will.
