President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his victory in the December 7 general election in Ghana, following his opponent’s concession speech.
Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, in a statement, said the President congratulated Mahama, in telephone call on Sunday.
Tinubu expressed hoped that Mahama’s ascension to power for the second time would further bring stability to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which he is the chairman.
President Tinubu commended the people of Ghana for their commitment to democracy, which was demonstrated through the peaceful and successful conduct of both the presidential and parliamentary elections.
He applauded Ghanaians for demonstrating again to the world that democracy is the preferred path to achieving political stability, economic development, social justice, and transparent governance in Africa.
He affirmed Nigeria’s and West Africa’s belief in people’s right to choose their leaders freely, noting that it will remain a source of pride.
The Nigerian leader also applauded the candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), the vice president of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia, for conceding defeat before the official announcement by Ghana’s Electoral Commission.
President Tinubu said Bawumia’s stance reinforces Ghana’s democratic ethos.
“President Tinubu noted that President-elect Mahama’s return to Jubilee House, having served as President from 2012 to 2017, reflects the Ghanaian people’s trust in his stewardship and vision to take the country to greater heights.”
Mahama had 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.
The Nigerian leader thanked 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.