Brussels, 01/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 31 March, the European Union congratulated Muhammadu Buhari, the new president designate of Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, which is experiencing its first democratic change. The recognition of the verdict from the ballot boxes has calmed fears fed by many observers that the presidential elections of 28-29 March would lead to a wave of violence, as in 2011 (see EUROPE 11286).
“I warmly congratulate General Buhari as the successful presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and all those who have gained seats in the Senate or the House of Representatives, of all parties. I acknowledge the candidates that have conceded defeat gracefully. Those who wish to contest the results should do so through the appropriate procedures”, commented Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, in an official statement published on Tuesday evening.
“Nigerians can now look forward to focusing on the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of the country”, she added, pledging that the EU would “continue to support its development”, having been a close partner of Nigeria over the past 50 years, and to “share its values in promoting peace, prosperity and democracy on the continent and in the world”.
The high representative also thanked the outgoing president, Goodluck Jonathan, “for his great contribution to building the country and to consolidating its democracy over the past five years”. The former General Muhammadu Buhari was once briefly President of Nigeria (20 months) following a military coup in 1983. (Aminata Niang)