US, France congratulate Buhari on election victory

Muhammadu Buhari

The United States government and the Republic of France have congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election.

Mr Buhari of the All Progressives Congress was announced winner of Saturday’s presidential election on Wednesday.

Buhari saw off fierce challenge from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who fielded former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, as its presidential candidate.

The US, in a separate statement on Friday by the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, congratulated Nigerians and Buhari for the success of the elections.

It also called for peace ahead of the March 9 governorship/state assembly polls.

“We commend all those Nigerians who participated peacefully in the election and condemn those whose acts of violence harmed Nigerians and the electoral process.

“We note the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election, despite localized violence and irregularities.

“We also congratulate all the other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process. We call on all Nigerians to ensure successful state elections next week.

“Going forward, the United States remains committed to working together with Nigeria to achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations,” the statement reads in part.

A statement by the French Embassy Press Attaché, Damilola Ayodeji, reads: “France will continue to stand by Nigeria and provide its full support for the implementation of the country’s priorities especially, economic diversification, job creation, counterterrorism and the fight against corruption.”