ABUJA- U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday, congratulated Nigeria’s president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, saying his election was a demonstration of Nigerians’ commitment to democratic principles.
Obama, in a message issued by the U.S. embassy in Abuja, commended Nigerians for their large turnout in exercising their franchise.
He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his show of sportsmanship by conceding defeat to Buhari.
“The last few days have shown the world the strength of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.
“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 commend President Goodluck Jonathan and president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on their public commitments to non-violence throughout the campaign.
“President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating president-elect, Buhari, on his victory,’’ he said.
Obama said he looked forward to working with Jonathan throughout the remainder of his tenure.
He urged Buhari and Jonathan to repeat their calls to their supporters to continue to respect the outcome of the, focus on unifying Nigeria, and together leading Nigeria through a peaceful transition.
“Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega, deserve special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote.
“I commend INEC for its extensive efforts to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process”, Obama said.
He said he looked firward to peaceful gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly elections on April 11.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has congratulated Nigeria’s president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the March 28 presidential polls.
The EU High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini was quoted in a statement by Mr Modestus Chukwulaka, its Public Affairs Officer as saying by holding successful elections, Nigerian had shown how democracy could work.
Mogherini said that the tribute of the election went to all Nigerians who participated in the elections.
“Firstly, tribute is due to all those involved in making the election peaceful, transparent and credible.
The INEC, the domestic and foreign observers, civil society, the political parties and above all the Nigerian people themselves.
“They have shown how a democracy can work; I warmly congratulate Gen. Buhari as the successful Presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I also congratulate all those who have gained seats in the Senate or the House of Representatives, of all parties,” he said.
Mogherini acknowledged the magnanimity of candidates that had conceded defeat gracefully, particularly, out-going President Goodluck Jonathan.
He advised those who wished to contest the results of the elections to do so through the appropriate procedures.
“I thank the outgoing-President, Goodluck Jonathan for his great contribution to building the country and consolidating its democracy over the past five years,’’ he said.
He said that he was looking forward to working with the newly elected President and his government in the future.
He said that the EU Election Monitoring Mission would remain in Nigeria to monitor the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections on April 11.
Mogherini expressed the hope that the elections would be conducted in the same peaceful and democratic spirit.
“Nigerians can now look forward to focusing on the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of the country,’’ he said.
