President Muhammadu Buhari warmly congratulates the candidate of the New
Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Nana Akufo-Addo, on his historic win of the
December 7 Ghana presidential election.
President Buhari also felicitates 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 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.