President John Mahama has made a pledge "to extend a hand to NPP and all political forces in order to achieve the unity" that the nation desires. He also urged political forces to put their differences aside and help build the country. This was the president's first public comment on his social media page, facebook, shortly after the Supreme Court affirmed his election victory as declared by the Electoral Commission on December 9, 2012. According to him: "The Supreme Court’s decision is a confirmation that Ghana is a stable democracy and an example of free and fair elections for all African nations. Now, it is time to look into the future". "I urge all political forces to put aside their differences and to work together so everyone will lead a better life. We all have a duty to the people to work so our country remains united. We have a unique chance to continue the legacy of leaders as John Atta Mills and build a new and a stronger Ghana at home and in Africa. I pledge to all, the people who voted for me or the people who voted for the other candidates, to extend a hand to NPP and all political forces in order to achieve the unity we need and want. It’s time2unite," president Mahama stated. The Supreme Court on Tursday dismissed a petition filed by three leading New Patriotic Party leaders including the 2012 flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo, challenging the EC's declaration. The petitioners had alleged that Mr Mahama won the election fraudulently, a charge the governing National Democratic Congress denied. NPP leader Nana Akufo-Addo later told journalists he was disappointed but accepted the verdict and urged his supporters to do likewise.