Ensure credible elections in Nigeria, Atiku tells Trump

Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has congratulated Donald Trump for winning the US presidential election.

Trump, the Republican standard-bearer, defeated Vice-President Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party on Wednesday to become the 47th president of the US.

World leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, have sent their congratulations to the president-elect.

In a statement on X, Abubakar said Trump will stand as an enduring testament to the resilience and vitality of the democratic process.

“The narrative of President Trump’s political journey, marked by his struggles and triumphs, shall serve as an inspiring parable of courage in the face of adversity — a lesson in the art of rising after every fall, and ultimately, emerging victorious,” he said.

“As the world rejoices in the euphoria of his remarkable comeback, it is to be hoped that President Trump will continue his resolute advocacy for credible elections worldwide and remain steadfast in dismantling anti-democratic forces wherever they may lurk.”

He said there is a lesson to learn from the integrity of the US election, adding that Trump should ensure Nigeria conduct credible polls in the future.

“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome. It is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world,” he said.

Abubakar was the standard-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election.

In May, Abubakar said he will “keep contesting” for the Nigerian presidency as long as he is hale and hearty.

The politician, who is 77 years old, will be 81 by the time the next presidential election comes around in 2027.

Abubakar has run for the number one office six times, but has been on the ballot as a presidential candidate on three occasions — 2007, 2019, and 2023.