International election observation missions congratulate Nigerians

Heads of international election observation missions on Wednesday congratulated the government and people of Nigeria for their commitment to peaceful reactions to results of Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

In a joint statement in Abuja, the groups commended President Goodluck Jonathan for exhibiting statesmanship by congratulating the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

The observation missions comprised AU, the Commonwealth, the EU, the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

“The heads of international election observation missions commend President Goodluck Jonathan for his statesmanship in swiftly congratulating his opponent and paving the way for a historic peaceful transfer of power.

“The heads of international election observation missions also congratulate General Buhari on his success and his appreciation of his opponent,” they said.

The groups urged that the same spirit, which Nigerians exhibited at the national elections, should also be exhibited at the states elections on April 11.

They pledged to monitor the coming polls and appealed to the electorate to remain committed to the process.

“We call on the people of Nigeria to approach the upcoming governorship elections, which will also be internationally observed, with the same commendable spirit as demonstrated during the presidential election,” they said.

Leaders of the missions are Prof. Amos Sawyer (AU), Dr Bakili Muluzi (Commonwealth),Mr Santiago Fisas (EU), Constance Newman (IRI) and Amb. Johnnie Carson (NDI).