Concerns raised about Nigeria’s election should be investigated, says UK foreign secretary

James Cleverly, foreign secretary of the United Kingdom (UK), has congratulated Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, over his victory at the polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday, declared Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the presidential election held on Saturday.

Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, said Tinubu secured a total of 8,794,726 votes. 

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had the second-highest figure with 6,984,520 votes, while Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) was next with 6,101,533 votes.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Cleverly commended Nigerian voters for their patience and resilience in exercising their franchise.

He called on relevant authorities to ensure that all the concerns raised by opposition parties, observer missions and civil societies are carefully addressed. 

“The United Kingdom commends Nigerian voters for their participation in the Presidential and National Assembly elections and for their patience and resilience in exercising their democratic rights,” the statement reads. 

“We congratulate the President-Elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We note the position of opposition parties on the election outcome and the concerns expressed by observer missions and civil society about the organisation of the process, including delays and technical challenges. 

“We encourage the authorities to examine all concerns carefully, take action to resolve outstanding issues and focus on delivering the will of the Nigerian people.”