The U. S. and many other countries have congratulated Nigeria on its successful presidential election and President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election.
U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, noted the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election.
He called on all Nigerians to ensure successful Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections on March 9.
Pompeo said: “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 localised violence and irregularities.’’
It also congratulated all the other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process.
The presidential election, held on February 23 saw Buhari poll 15,191,847 votes and his closest challenger, People’s Democratic Party’s candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar polled 11,255,978 votes to emerge a runner-up.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election for a second term.
In a telephone conversation with President Buhari on Thursday, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques wished the Nigerian President success and good health in his second term in office.
Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin, also sent a congratulatory message, saying:
”I am honoured to extend my congratulations to you personally, Mr President, and the people of Nigeria on the successful conduct of free, transparent and credible Presidential and National Assembly elections on Feb. 23, that will shape the destiny of this nation for the upcoming four years and beyond.”
While describing the elections as yet another substantial step towards further strengthening of Nigerian democracy, the Russian Ambassador wrote: ” It is my conviction that your decisive victory will pave the way for yet stronger and more prosperous Nigeria that you will be able to deliver on the people’s mandate.”
The Ambassador expressed the hope that the Nigerian President’s second term in office would be associated with further enhancements of bilateral cooperation and closer contacts between the two countries.
UK Minister of State for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, said: ”I offer my congratulations to President Buhari on securing a second term as the Nigerian President.
“The UK is a long-standing friend and partner of Nigeria and the Nigerian people, and a stable and prosperous Nigeria benefits Africa and the world. ”
French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in its congratulatory message said: “France congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election on Feb. 23.
“It will continue to stand by Nigeria and to provide its full support for the implementation of the country’s priorities, especially economic diversification, job creation, counter terrorism and the fight against corruption.”
The statement also indicated that President Buhari had earlier received congratulatory messages from Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya.
