Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate president Bukola Saraki, have congratulates
d the candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, on his historic win of the December 7 Ghana presidential election.
President Buhari in a statement also felicitated with the Government and people of Ghana, the National Electoral Commission, and candidates of political parties, for the decorum, maturity and peaceful conduct of the election that produced a winner from an opposition party, who was contesting for the third time.
As a scion of one of the biggest political families in Ghana, and with the lessons learnt from previous unsuccessful attempts preceded by years of service to the country, most notably as foreign affairs minister, President Buhari believes Akufo-Addo is widely experienced and skilled in leadership to build on the legacies of President John Dramani Mahama.
The Nigerian leader extolled the statesmanship and great leadership qualities of Mahama, who came into power at a trying period for the country with the passing away of former President John Atta-Mills, and kept pushing for a better life for all Ghanaians, and strengthening diplomatic relations with countries in the sub-region, especially Nigeria.
He particularly commended the incumbent President for the great courage to call his opponent and concede defeat, stressing that leaders must always honour their pre-election pledge to accept the results of polls as the will of the people.
President Buhari said that he remained optimistic that the future of African development rests on building strong political, democratic institutions, ensuring free, fair and credible elections, and respect for the sanctity of the ballot.
He urged the President-elect and other winners of the parliamentary elections in Ghana to be magnanimous in victory while losers should explore peaceful and legal mechanisms to challenge the outcome of the polls where necessary.
President Buhari noted that the greater interest of the country and the stability of the sub-region should be uppermost in the minds of all stakeholders.
The President wished Ghana a smooth transition of power, and looks forward to working with the new President.
In a separate message, Saraki congratulated Akufo-Addo on his victory and also lauded both the outgoing President, and the people of Ghana for a successful electoral process.
The Senate President stated that by conceding victory, President John Dramani Mahama, demonstrated that democracy in Africa has come of age.
Saraki said: “From what we experienced last year during Nigeria’s general elections by having an incumbent President concede — and what we have seen today in Ghana, we can all attest to the fact that there is a trend of political maturity emanating from West Africa.
“What we are celebrating today is a confirmation that Africa has truly matured in terms of democracy. The people of Ghana and their leaders have confirmed that elections can be free, fair, credible and non-violent.
“I commend and congratulate the President of Ghana, and the President-elect for their dignified conduct throughout this process. I wish them success throughout the transition period. I also want to reassure them that the Nigerian legislature will continue to remain their firm partners in development,” Saraki said.
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