Muhammadu Buhari
‘Examine opposition parties, CSOs, observer missions’ concerns carefully, resolve outstanding issues,’ UK tells Buhari
United Kingdom (UK) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to works towards resolving all concerns raised by the opposition political parties and other stakeholders over the just-concluded February 25 Presidential elections in the country.
Nigeria’s presidential election has already been described as controversial following widespread protests that have trailed the declaration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as President-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Wednesday morning,.
Protests and rejections started even before the final over the outcome against conduct of INEC during and after the polls, as opposition parties rejected the results and the collation process.
Similarly, the country’s former heads of state, as well as international election observer groups have faulted the process and conduct of the polls, as some called for its cancellation.
Reacting to the conclusion of the Nigeria poll, in a statement issued, Wednesday, and signed by the country’s Foreign Secretary, MP James Cleverly, United Kingdom, while commending the Nigerian electorate for their participation in the elections and ‘for their patience and resilience in exercising their democratic rights,’ also congratulated the winner of the poll, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu .
“The United Kingdom commends Nigerian voters for their participation in the Presidential and National Assembly elections and for their patience and resilience in exercising their democratic rights. We congratulate the President Elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We note the position of opposition parties on the election outcome and the concerns expressed by observer missions and civil society about the organisation of the process, including delays and technical challenges.
“We encourage the authorities to examine all concerns carefully, take action to resolve outstanding issues and focus on delivering the will of the Nigerian people,” read the statement by the British Foreign Secretary, Wednesday.
It would be recalled that a late tweet from the country’s Prime Minister congratulating Asiwaju Tinubu received a barrage of verbal attacks from Twitter users who berated the position of the British PM in recognizing ‘ a stolen mandate.’
Hours after the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the February 25 elections, world leaders remained silent in pushing their congratulatory messages. However, by Wednesday afternoon, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Umaru Sissoco Embalo, the body of the Network of African Parliamentarians for Defence and Security Communities congratulated the country on a successful poll.
Reacting to the emergence of Tinubu as Nigeria’s President-elect, Wednesday evening, the British PM, Mr. Sunak opted to use his official and personal Twitter handle (@RishiSunak) instead of the country’s Mission in Nigeria to push his congratulatory message.
The UK leader in the message also expressed the hope to ‘grow our security and trade ties, opening up opportunities for businesses and creating prosperity’ in both countries under the tenure of Tinubu.
“Congratulations to @officialABAT on his victory in Nigeria.
“The UK-Nigeria relationship remains strong. I look forward to working together to grow our security and trade ties, opening up opportunities for businesses and creating prosperity in both our countries,” Sunak posted.
