Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has sent his warm congratulatory message to candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Nana Akufo-Addo, on what he describes as his history win of the December 7 Ghana presidential election.
The President, who spoke through a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, 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 learned 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 extols 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 commends 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 remains 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 notes 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 wishes Ghana a smooth transition of power, and looks forward to working with the new President,” Femi Adesina said in the statement.
Reporting the Akufo-Addo’s victory earlier on Saturday, The DEFENDER had described it as, “The change train that began with General Muhammadu Buhari on March 28, 2015 defeating the candidate of “Africa’s largest party” – People’s Democratic (PDP) Goodluck Ebele Jonathan – has arrived in Ghana as the Buhari’s replicate has taken place with third-timer Nana Akufo-Addo defeating the incumbent President John Mahama in the keenly contested presidential election in the country.
“In what looks like African leaders are now coming to their senses against the usual tendencies of wanting to stay put in power whether win or lose, the Ghanaian incumbent President, like Nigeria’s Jonathan and The Gambia’s Yahya Jammeh, has conceded defeat without placing pressure on the system.
“The country’s main opposition leader, Akufo-Addo, won the Wednesday national election, defeating President John Mahama, electoral commissioner Charlotte Osei said.” The DEFENDER reported.
