United States President Barak Obama has congratulated Nigeria’s president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on his success in the presidential election, saying the exercise shows “Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.”
Obama said this in a statement issued by the White House in which he praised President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat.
“President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating president-elect (Muhammadu) Buhari on his victory.
“I look forward to working with President Jonathan throughout the remainder of his term, and I thank him for his many years of service and his statesmanlike conduct at this critical juncture,” the American President stated.
He also appreciated the part played by Nigerian voters in what turned out to be a very peaceful poll and called on Jonathan and the President – elect to continue working with the Peace Accord signed before the election.
“By turning out in large numbers and sometimes waiting all day to cast their votes, Nigerians came together to decide the future of their country peacefully.”
“I urge president-elect Buhari and President Jonathan to repeat their calls to their supporters to continue to respect the election outcomes, focus on unifying the country, and together lead Nigeria through a peaceful transition,” Obama admonished.
In a similar vein, former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, congratulated Buhari and welcomed President Goodluck’s acceptance of the outcome of the election.
“I congratulate Muhammadu Buhari warmly on his election victory. I welcome wholeheartedly the statement from President Jonathan conceding the result,” Blair said in a statement.
Blair also praised Nigerians for making the election a success, saying it points to a bright future for the country.
“I also applaud the Nigerian people. It is an extraordinary sign of Nigeria’s strength and resilience as a country that there has been this election with its outcome accepted so clearly despite all the challenges Nigeria faces,” he said.