Obama Praises Goodluck Jonathan For Conceding Elections
- By: Mfonobong Nsehe | Forbes
- Apr 2, 2015
- 2 min read
U.S President Barack Obama has commended Nigeria’s outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding the presidential elections and congratulating his opponent, Muhammad Buhari on his victory.
Obama, in a statement released by the White House on Wednesday, acknowledged that President Jonathan placed the interest of Nigerians ahead of his personal ambitions.
See the full statement published on the White House’s website below:
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.
President Goodluck Jonathan has conceded the election to challenger Muhammadu Buhari. It’s the first democratic change of power in Africa’s most populous nation, one that has seen six military coups and much political violence since achieving independence in 1960.
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.
Looking ahead to the gubernatorial elections on April 11, it is imperative that national attention turn to ensuring isolated logistical challenges are overcome and peace is protected, even in the most hotly contested races.
On behalf of the American people, I extend congratulations to the people of Nigeria and to President-Elect Buhari and look forward to continuing to work with the newly-elected government on our many shared priorities.
Incumbent Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan (C) arrives to cast his ballot during presidential elections at polling station in Otuoke on March 28, 2015. Voting began in Nigeria’s general election but delays were reported countrywide because of technical problems in accrediting electors.
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Source: Forbes.com
By: Mfonobong Nseh
