President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his victory in the Saturday general election in Ghana, following his opponent’s concession speech.
In a telephone call to Mahama, Tinubu hoped that his ascension to power for the second time would further bring stability to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Tinubu commended the people of Ghana for their unwavering commitment to democracy.
He said this was demonstrated through the peaceful and successful conduct of both the presidential and parliamentary elections, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, said in a statement.
Tinubu applauded Ghanaians for demonstrating again to the world that democracy was the preferred path to achieving political stability, economic development, social justice and transparent governance in Africa.
He affirmed that Nigeria’s and the region’s belief in the principles of the people’s right to choose their leaders freely would remain a source of pride.
The Nigerian leader commended Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Vice- President of Ghana, for conceding defeat before the official announcement by Ghana’s Electoral Commission.
Tinubu said Bawumia’s stance reinforced Ghana’s democratic ethos.
He said that Mahama’s return to the Jubilee House, having served as President from 2012 to 2017, reflected the Ghanaian people’s trust in his stewardship and vision to take the country to greater heights.
Mahama served as Vice President of Ghana from 2009 to 2012, Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2009, and held deputy and ministerial roles between 1998 and 2001.
“President Tinubu renews his steadfast support for deepening the fraternal bonds between Nigeria and Ghana underpinned by shared history, cultural ties, mutual support and cooperation, Pan-African goals, democracy, the rule of law and economic integration.
“The Nigerian leader thanks President Nana Akufo-Addo for his exemplary leadership and numerous contributions to Ghana’s progress and regional peace and stability.
“The President looks forward to working with President Mahama’s incoming administration to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors and build a brighter future in the West Africa region,” Onanuga said.
This is even as former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated Ghana’s President-elect, John Mahama, on his victory in the country’s recent general elections.
This is contained in a statement by the Head, Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, on Sunday in Abuja.
Fayemi also commended Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his gracious concession speech.
According to Fayemi, Bawumia’s acceptance of the electoral outcome in the spirit of peace and national unity exemplifies the very best of African political leadership.
He said that Ghana had become a model of democracy for Africa, emphasising the importance of respecting the will of the people and the supremacy of democratic principles.
‘’As a friend to both men and a committed advocate of democratic principles across Africa, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the President-Elect of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, on his resounding victory in the recently concluded general elections.
“This triumph reflects the trust and confidence the people of Ghana have in his leadership and vision for their country.
‘’I equally commend Dr. Mahamamudu Bawumia, presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his gracious concession speech.
‘’Dr. Bawumia’s decision to place the interest of Ghana above personal ambition reinforces the values of democracy and demonstrates a maturity that will undoubtedly serve as a model for political actors across the continent.
‘’As Africans, we must draw lessons from Ghana’s example.
“The supremacy of the people’s will is the cornerstone of democracy and the desire to serve must always align with the mandate freely given by the electorate, not through coercion or manipulation,” he said.
The former Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum said that Ghana had set high standards by proving that democracy could thrive in Africa when institutions were allowed to function independently and political actors prioritise the collective good over individual aspirations.
According to him, as Nigeria and other African nations continue to strengthen their democratic foundations, the Ghanaian experience provides a blueprint for conducting elections that are credible, peaceful, and reflective of the people’s choice.
‘’I therefore urge all political actors across the continent to emulate the exemplary conduct displayed by both President-Elect Mahama and Dr. Bawumia.
“They, through their actions, have deepened the democratic culture in their country and solidified its position as a beacon of hope and a model for democracy in Africa,’’ he said. (NAN)
Salif Atojoko
