EU congratulates Buhari, says Nigerians show how democracy works

The European Union (EU) has congratulated Nigeria’s president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the March 28 presidential polls. The EU High Representative/Vice-President, Federica Mogherini was quoted in a statement by Mr Modestus Chukwulaka, its Public Affairs Officer as saying by holding successful elections, Nigerian had shown how democracy could work. Mogherini said that the tribute of the election went to all Nigerians who participated in the elections.



“Firstly, tribute is due to all those involved in making the election peaceful, transparent and credible. “The INEC, the domestic and foreign observers, civil society, the political parties and above all the Nigerian people themselves. “They have shown how a democracy can work; I warmly congratulate Gen. Buhari as the successful Presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I also congratulate all those who have gained seats in the Senate or the House of Representatives, of all parties,” he said. Mogherini acknowledged the magnanimity of candidates that had conceded defeat gracefully, particularly, out-going President Goodluck Jonathan. He advised those who wished to contest the results of the elections to do so through the appropriate procedures.

“I thank outgoing-President, Goodluck Jonathan for his great contribution to building the country and consolidating its democracy over the past five years,’’ he said. He said that he was looking forward to working with the newly elected President and his government in the future. He said that the EU Election Monitoring Mission would remain in Nigeria to monitor governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections on April 11.

Mogherini expressed the hope that the elections would be conducted in the same peaceful and democratic spirit. “Nigerians can now look forward to focusing on the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of the country,’’ he said.