Obama Commends Jonathan, Buhari and INEC for Good Conduct of Elections
The President of the United states of America, Barack Obama, has congratulated Nigeria’s president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari for his victory at the polls and also praised President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat in an election that according to him, showed “Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.”
President Obama in a White House message on Wednesday, said: “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 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 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 said.
He concluded by praising the Independent National Election Commission and its chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, saying “he deserves special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote.”