President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the President-elect of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema on his emergence as the next leader of the South African country.
President Buhari lauded the people of the central-south African country for exercising their electoral rights in the polls.
He also commended the incumbent president, Edgar Lungu for accepting the result of the elections, adding that Nigeria looks forward to a peaceful collaboration between the two African nations.
President Buhari’s statement was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
“President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the President-elect Hakainde Hichilema, on his victory in the presidential election of August 12, 2021.
“The President applauds the people of Zambia who came out in their numbers to exercise their civic rights, voting candidates of their choice, signposting that the prospect of a united, stable and prosperous Africa lies in the power of the people to freely elect their leaders.
“President Buhari commends President Edgar Lungu for accepting the outcome of the election and a peaceful transfer of power, noting that this patriotic disposition deserves the praise of all lovers of democracy.
Highlighting the close and historic relationship between the two countries, the Nigerian leader looks forward to working very closely with the Zambian President-elect for the peace, development and prosperity of both nations.