From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, have joined other world leaders, in congratulating the United States President-Elect, Donald Trump.
Trump, the Republican standard-bearer, defeated Vice-President Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party to become the 47th president.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer were among the first world leaders to congratulate him.
Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga said that he looked forward to strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.
Tinubu said Nigeria and the US can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.
The President said Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed on his leadership.
Tinubu, therefore, congratulated them on their commitment to democracy.
He said given Trump’s experience, his return would usher in an era of earnest, beneficial and reciprocal economic as well as development partnerships between Africa and the United States.
“Acknowledging the United States’ influence, power and position in determining the trend and course of global events, the Nigerian leader trusts that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity,” President Tinubu added.
In his goodwill message, former vice-president, Atiku, said Trump will stand as an enduring testament to the resilience and vitality of the democratic process.
In a statement on his X handle, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said there was a lesson to learn from the integrity of the US election, adding that Trump should ensure Nigeria conduct credible polls in the future.
“The narrative of President Trump’s political journey, marked by his struggles and triumphs, shall serve as an inspiring parable of courage in the face of adversity — a lesson in the art of rising after every fall, and ultimately, emerging victorious.
“As the world rejoices in the euphoria of his remarkable comeback, it is to be hoped that President Trump will continue his resolute advocacy for credible elections worldwide and remain steadfast in dismantling anti-democratic forces wherever they may lurk.
“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome. It is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world,” he said.
Like Atiku, Mr.. Obi expressed the hope that Trump’s victory will help to deepen democracy globally and engender much-needed peace in the World. The former Anambra State governor commended the US electoral officials as well as the people of America for conducting a successful poll.
In his statement, Netanyahu who has had a difficult relationship with President Joe Biden spoke of “history’s greatest comeback”, adding that Trump’s return to office offered a “new beginning for America, a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America”.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I look forward to working with Trump in the years ahead.”
He added: “From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close Trump ally said his election was “a much-needed victory for the world”.
Check this story for part 2
Tinubu, Atiku, others woo Trump after victory over Kamala (1)