Former Vice President of Nigeria and prominent figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has recently reflected on the outcome of the United States presidential election, underscoring valuable lessons he believes Nigeria should adopt.
Atiku’s remarks come in the wake of the U.S. election, which concluded with former President Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, emerging as the President-elect after a victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
Atiku, who ran as the PDP presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, addressed Nigerians through a statement that highlighted his belief in the importance of electoral integrity.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s democratic journey could greatly benefit from studying and implementing the practices that contributed to the credibility of the recent U.S. election. According to Atiku, the success of the election in the United States was not merely a testament to the candidates involved, but also to the effectiveness of an electoral system that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the sanctity of the ballot.
He expressed hope that the peaceful transition of power seen in the United States would inspire Nigerian leaders to prioritize free and fair elections.
“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome,” Atiku stated. This, he elaborated, is essential to maintaining public confidence in electoral institutions and fostering a culture where political outcomes reflect the will of the people.
Atiku’s comments highlight his advocacy for electoral reforms in Nigeria, as he has long been an outspoken proponent of measures aimed at strengthening the democratic process and making elections more transparent.
Atiku went further to express his hope that the incoming Trump administration would support democratic principles internationally, especially in nations like Nigeria where political processes are often marred by allegations of irregularities.
He stated, “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.
”Additionally, Atiku extended a warm message of congratulations to the American people, acknowledging their commitment to democracy and the power of the vote.
“My warm congratulations go out 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,” he remarked.
Atiku’s message serves as a call to action for Nigeria’s electoral body and political stakeholders to commit to reforms that would enhance the electoral process.
He advocates for a system in which every citizen’s vote counts and where electoral outcomes are uncontested due to credibility.
For Atiku, this is a vital step in restoring Nigerians’ faith in democracy, ensuring that future elections are free of violence and manipulation, and paving the way for a democratic system where leaders are chosen by the genuine choice of the people.
