President Joe Biden of the United States has praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts in “deepening democracy” in Africa.
The US leader commended President Buhari in Washington during his meeting with leaders of 6 African countries scheduled to hold elections in 2023.
At the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the US-Africa Leaders Summit, President Biden said he had followed the trajectory of the Nigerian leader since 2015, when he (Biden) was Vice-President.
He said it was “very heartening” that Nigeria was “quite a model for democracy”, especially the fact that President Buhari is not seeking a third term.
President Biden encouraged President Buhari and Nigeria’s electoral umpire, INEC, to continue to be “totally non-partisan”.
The US President said the meeting with the select African leaders, including those of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Madagascar, and Sierra Leone, was to discuss elections and democracy in Africa, share experiences with the US on the forthcoming elections, as well as encourage the countries to continue with the democratic process.
He pointed out that he understood the challenges facing the countries, and expressed the willingness of the US to support them in “every area assistance may be required”.
President Buhari expressed his appreciation to the US President for his positive remarks, and congratulated him on “attaining the peak” of his political career.
He also thanked President Biden for organising the summit with African leaders and wished him well in his endeavours.
Bello Wakili
