Democracy Day/2023 Election: Those Who Can’t Accept Defeat Don’t Deserve Joy Of Victory – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the recently-concluded 2023 general elections as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

In his inaugural Democracy Day address to the nation, Tinubu emphasized that the fiercely contested presidential poll served as a testament to the strength and vitality of democracy in the country.

He pledged to uphold and sustain the democratic principles that underpin Nigeria’s governance.

During his address, President Tinubu acknowledged the legal challenges surrounding his victory in the presidential election but regarded them as an integral part of the democratic process.

He stated that the disputes and legal contestations were indicative of the vibrancy and beauty of democracy.

Tinubu asserted that democracy remains the most effective form of government devised by humankind.

He said: “This year, we held the seventh in the cycle of elections that have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice in this dispensation since 1999.

“That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed.

“But the beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.

“Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph.

“Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.”

Regarding the rule of law, the President vowed to reject any conflicting or illegal orders that could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system. He expressed his commitment to upholding the principles of justice and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in the country.

President Tinubu also highlighted his recent signing of a bill into law on June 8, which aims to harmonize the retirement age for judicial officers. He described this action as one of many policy reforms to come during his administration.