US Govt Congratulates Buhari, Says Election Credible, Peaceful

The United States has finally joined the rest of the world in congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election. This is even as the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has welcomed the results of the February 23rd Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country.

United States Secretary of State,  Michael Pompeo, in a statement in Washington D.C, also commended Nigerians for their participation in the election.

Pompeo also congratulated other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process.

He said the United States noted the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election, despite localized violence and irregularities.

“The United States congratulates the people of Nigeria on a successful presidential election, and President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election. We commend all those Nigerians who participated peacefully in the election and condemn those whose acts of violence harmed Nigerians and the electoral process.

“We note the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election, despite localized violence and irregularities. We also congratulate all the other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process. We call on all Nigerians to ensure successful state elections next week,” Pompeo said.

The United States further said going forward, it remained committed to working together with Nigeria to achieve greater peace and prosperity for both nations.

Meanwhile, in a statement released in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the African Union chairperson, Faki said the AU’s position was based on the conclusion by its Observer Mission and other international observers that the process was largely peaceful and orderly and in conformity with Nigeria’s legal framework.

“The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, welcomes the successful conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria. Following the announcement made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on 27 February 2019, he congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari for winning the presidential election.

“The Chairperson notes that the African Union Observer Mission and other international observers concluded that the process was largely peaceful and orderly and in conformity with Nigeria’s legal framework, thus marking another important step in the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. He commends the INEC for the conduct of the elections, and all the political actors and the Nigerian people for their high participation and maturity,” the statement read.

Faki however called on all stakeholders to continue in the exemplary spirit, adding that in that respect, they should avail themselves of the existing constitutional and legal frameworks, as well as other peaceful means, to resolve any challenge that may arise.

“The Chairperson looks forward to the peaceful conduct of the remainder of the elections. He wishes President Buhari and the people of Nigeria success in their efforts to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nigeria.

 “The Chairperson of the Commission renews his commitment and that of the Commission as a whole to continue working with the Nigerian authorities in support of their efforts and in furtherance of the continental agenda,” the statement further read.

Meanwhile, Special Adviser to the President Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement said, Buhari received separate telephone calls from UK Prime Minister, Theresa May and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, congratulating him on his re-election and wishing the Nigerian people progress and prosperity.

President Buhari thanked the two leaders for their unflinching support to Nigeria and her people, pledging commitment to continue working with them to advance various areas of cooperation.