Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), on his victory in the December 7 general election. The gesture follows the gracious concession by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu commended the people of Ghana for their unwavering commitment to a peaceful and democratic electoral process.
During a phone conversation with Mahama, President Tinubu expressed optimism that Mahama’s return to leadership would not only benefit Ghana but also contribute significantly to the stability and progress of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), an organization Tinubu currently chairs.
Tinubu took the opportunity to applaud Dr. Bawumia for his statesmanship in conceding defeat even before the Electoral Commission’s official declaration of results. According to Tinubu, Bawumia’s actions exemplify the democratic ethos that Ghana is known for, reinforcing its global image as a beacon of democratic values in Africa.
Tinubu also conveyed his gratitude to outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, lauding his exemplary leadership and his instrumental role in advancing Ghana’s development and ensuring regional stability during his tenure.
The Nigerian President’s statement emphasized his confidence in Mahama’s ability to lead Ghana to greater heights, highlighting the Ghanaian people's trust in Mahama’s vision and leadership.
The statement read:
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates John Dramani Mahama on his well-deserved victory in Ghana’s presidential election. Tinubu is confident that Mahama’s return to power will usher in a new era of stability and progress within ECOWAS. He also commends the people of Ghana for their steadfast commitment to democracy, demonstrated through a peaceful and successful election process.”
The statement continued by praising the values upheld during Ghana’s elections, noting that the region’s collective belief in the principles of free and fair elections serves as a source of pride for West Africa. Tinubu acknowledged the deep-seated democratic traditions in Ghana and expressed hope that these values would continue to shape the country’s future.
In his congratulatory message, Tinubu recognized Mahama’s extensive experience, having served as Ghana’s President from 2012 to 2017, Vice President from 2009 to 2012, and as a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2009. Tinubu noted that Mahama’s victory reflects the trust and confidence that Ghanaians have in his ability to steer the nation toward greater prosperity.
The Nigerian leader also stressed the importance of fostering deeper ties between Ghana and Nigeria, noting the shared history, cultural connections, and mutual aspirations that bind the two nations. Tinubu reiterated his commitment to working closely with Mahama’s administration to enhance bilateral relations and address the pressing challenges facing the West African region.
Tinubu’s statement further highlighted his vision for a stronger and more united West Africa, driven by shared goals of economic integration, political stability, and social progress. He expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts between Nigeria and Ghana would set an example for other nations in the region to follow.
The congratulatory message also acknowledged the significant role played by President Nana Akufo-Addo in strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions and fostering peace in the region. Tinubu thanked Akufo-Addo for his contributions and expressed hope for a smooth transition of power, which he described as a hallmark of Ghana’s mature democracy.
Tinubu’s call to Mahama underscored the importance of continuity and cooperation in addressing the challenges facing West Africa. He assured Mahama of Nigeria’s unwavering support as both nations work toward shared goals of regional stability, economic development, and social justice.
The Nigerian President ended his statement by reaffirming his belief in Ghana’s potential to remain a trailblazer in democratic governance, noting that the country’s peaceful elections serve as an inspiration to other African nations striving to uphold democratic values.
Tinubu’s congratulatory message has been widely praised for its diplomatic tone and emphasis on regional unity. Political analysts have noted that such gestures are critical for fostering collaboration and addressing the shared challenges facing West African nations, including security concerns, economic instability, and political tensions.
Mahama’s victory has been hailed as a testament to Ghana’s robust democratic traditions, with many commentators pointing to the peaceful conduct of the elections as a model for other African countries. As Ghana prepares for Mahama’s inauguration, expectations are high for his administration to deliver on its promises and steer the nation toward greater prosperity.
The peaceful concession by Dr. Bawumia has also received widespread commendation, with many viewing it as a sign of political maturity and a commitment to the democratic process. Observers believe that such actions contribute significantly to the stability and credibility of Ghana’s political system.
As Ghana ushers in a new chapter under Mahama’s leadership, the focus remains on sustaining the country’s democratic gains and fostering unity among its diverse population. With the support of regional leaders like Tinubu, Ghana’s future looks bright, and the nation is poised to continue its role as a leader in Africa’s democratic journey.
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