President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former Vice President Joe Biden on his election as new President of the United States “at a time of uncertainty and challenges in world affairs.”
Democrat Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump to become the 46th president of the United States on Saturday,
The Nigerian leader said “your election is a significant reminder that democracy is the best form of government because it offers the people the opportunity to change their government by peaceful means.”
According to President Buhari, “the most powerful group are not the politicians, but voters who can decide the fate of candidates for elective office at the polling booth.”
He noted that “the main benefit of democracy is the freedom of choice and the supremacy of the will of the people.”
According to him, “I am thrilled by the fact that you are an experienced politician who had served as Congressman for 40 years and a Vice President for eight years. This is a remarkable track record that gives us hope that you will add value to the presidency and world affairs.”
President Buhari also noted that, “with your election, we look forward to enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, especially at economic, diplomatic and political levels, including especially on the war against terrorism.”
The Nigerian leader also called on Mr. Biden “to promote greater engagement with Africa on the basis of reciprocal respects and common interests.”
The full statement reads:
Congratulations to US
President-Elect Joe Biden on his election at a time of uncertainty and fear in
world affairs. His election is a reminder that democracy is the best form of
government because it offers the people the opportunity to change their
government by peaceful means.
In a democracy, the most powerful group are not the
politicians, but voters who can decide the fate of the politicians at the
polling booth. The main fascination of democracy is the freedom of choice and
the supremacy of the will of the people.
Respect for the will of the people is the very reason why
democracy remains the best form of government, despite its limitations from one
polity to another, and from one society to another.
President-Elect Biden’s remarkable track record gives us hope
that he will add value to the presidency and world affairs. We look forward to
greater cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, especially at
economic, diplomatic, political and security levels.
I urge Mr. Biden to deploy his vast experience in tackling
the negative consequences of nationalist politics on world affairs—which have
created divisions and uncertainties—and to introduce greater engagement with
Africa on the basis of reciprocal respect and shared interests.