ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria’s recent general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has praised the US electoral process that led to Donald Trump’s re-election as the 47th President of the United States.
Trump, the Republican candidate defeated Democratic candidate and incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris in a closely watched race.
In his congratulatory message, Atiku expressed admiration for Americans, applauding their “unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot,” which, he noted, “has once again shown the world the true might of the people’s voice.”
Reflecting on Trump’s political journey, Atiku, who has contested several presidential races in Nigeria since 2007, described Trump’s victory as a “lesson in the art of rising after every fall.”
Atiku’s own political career has seen him in various electoral contests.
He first ran for president under the Action Congress in 2007, placing third behind PDP’s Umaru Yar’Adua and ANPP’s Muhammadu Buhari.
He later joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), competing in the 2011 primaries against Goodluck Jonathan and, later, in the 2019 and 2023 general elections, finishing second to Buhari in 2019 and to Bola Tinubu in 2023.
Similarly, Trump lost his re-election bid in 2020 to Joe Biden but returned in 2024 to secure a win against Kamala Harris.
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Atiku, drawing parallels between his and Trump’s persistence, called the US president-elect’s victory “an inspiring parable of courage in the face of adversity.”
Atiku urged Trump to champion the cause of fair and credible elections globally, including in Nigeria.
“I closely followed the presidential election in the United States of America, watching with bated breath as the nation decided its future.
“It is with even greater satisfaction that I now reflect on the result, which heralds a resounding victory for President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party”, Atiku said.
He continued, “This triumph, without a doubt, will stand as an enduring testament to the resilience and vitality of the democratic process — a timeless reminder that democracy, with all its trials and tribulations, remains a force for good in the world.”
Atiku highlighted Trump’s success as a model for overcoming setbacks, emphasizing its significance for Nigeria.
“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.”
Concluding his message, Atiku called on Trump to advocate for electoral transparency globally.
“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.
He also congratulated the American people, saying, “I extend my warm congratulations to the people of the United States, whose unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot has once again shown the world the true might of the people’s voice.”