Addis Ababa, 1 March 2019: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, welcomes the successful conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria. Following the announcement made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on 27 February 2019, he congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari for winning the presidential election.

The Chairperson notes that the African Union Observer Mission and other international observers concluded that the process was largely peaceful and orderly and in conformity with Nigeria’s legal framework, thus marking another important step in the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. He commends the INEC for the conduct of the elections, and all the political actors and the Nigerian people for their high participation and maturity.

The Chairperson calls on all stakeholders to continue in this exemplary spirit. In this respect, they should avail themselves of the existing constitutional and legal frameworks, as well as other peaceful means, to resolve any challenge that may arise.

The Chairperson looks forward to the peaceful conduct of the remainder of the elections. He wishes President Buhari and the people of Nigeria success in their efforts to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nigeria.

The Chairperson of the Commission renews his commitment and that of the Commission as a whole to continue working with the Nigerian authorities in support of their efforts and in furtherance of the continental agenda.