Buhari congratulates Nana Akufo over election victory

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated 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 hailed the Government and people of Ghana, the National Electoral Commission, and candidates of political parties, for the peaceful conduct of the election that produced a winner from an opposition party, who contested for the third time.

President Buhari further stated that he hoped that Akufo-Addo, being widely experienced and skilled in leadership, having been foreign minister and being a scion of one of Ghana’s biggest political families, would build on the legacies of President John Dramani Mahama.

The Nigerian leader extolled 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 commended Mahama 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 said he 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 Akufo-Addo 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.