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President Muhammadu Buhari has joined some world leaders in congratulating Joe Biden, Democrat Candidate in the United States Presidential Election, on his election victory.
Biden was Saturday declared the winner of the US presidential election by several major national media outlets, defeating incumbent Donald Trump.
President Buhari, in his congratulatory message hours after the declaration, described Biden’s emergence as President-elect as a reminder that ‘democracy is the best form of government because it offers the people the opportunity to change their government by peaceful means’.
“Congratulations to US President-Elect Joe Biden on his election at a time of uncertainty and fear in world affairs,” he wrote.
“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 Buhari further noted that he looks forward to a greater cooperation between Nigeria and the US “especially at economic, diplomatic, political and security levels”.
“President-Elect Biden’s remarkable track record gives us hope that he will add value to the presidency and world affairs,” he noted.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Trump is yet to concede defeat to the Democrat candidate, rather he accused Biden of “rushing to falsely pose as the winner”.
The incumbent President who had made repeated unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud, vowed to challenge the projected results.
“Joe Biden has not been certified as the winner of any states, let alone any of the highly contested states headed for mandatory recounts, or states where our campaign has valid and legitimate legal challenges that could determine the ultimate victor,” the US incumbent President statement on Saturday partly read.
“Beginning Monday, our campaign will start prosecuting our case in court to ensure election laws are fully upheld and the rightful winner is seated.
“The American People are entitled to an honest election: that means counting all legal ballots, and not counting any illegal ballots.”
His campaign has filed lawsuits in several states to challenge the ballot counts, and signalled plans to demand a recount in at least one key state, Wisconsin.
Biden, however, called for unity after what was an extremely divisive election campaign.
“With the campaign over, it’s time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation,” he said.
