President Muhammadu Buhari has joined world leaders to congratulate the United States President-elect, Joe Biden, for his victory at the poll.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, quoted Buhari as saying that Nigeria looks forward to a greater relationship with the United States under a Biden Presidency.
Buhari reportedly said: “Your election is a significant reminder that democracy is the best form of government because it offers the people the opportunity to change their government by peaceful means.
“The most powerful group are not the politicians, but voters who can decide the fate of the politicians at the polling booth.”
He noted that “the main fascination of democracy is the freedom of choice and the supremacy of the will of the people.”
Buhari added that “respect for the will of the people is the very reason why democracy remains the best form of government, despite its limitations from one polity to another, and from one society to another.”
He continued: “I am thrilled by the fact that you are an experienced politician who had served as Congressman for 40 years and a Vice President for eight years. This is a remarkable track record that gives us hope that you will add value to the presidency and world affairs.”
Buhari also noted that, “with your election, we look forward to greater cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, especially at economic, diplomatic and political levels, including the war against terrorism.”
He further advised Biden to try to tackle the negative consequences of nationalist politics.
On international affairs, President Buhari advised Biden to “deploy your vast experience in tackling the negative consequences of nationalist politics on world affairs which have created divisions, conflicts and uncertainties.”
He also called on Biden “to introduce greater engagement with Africa on the basis of reciprocal respects and shared interests.”
Also on Saturday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: “I look forward to future cooperation with President Biden. Our transatlantic friendship is irreplaceable if we are to master the great challenges of our time.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a congratulatory message said: “Congratulations to Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States and to Kamala Harris on her historic achievement.
“The US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security.”
French President Emmanuel Macron via his official Twitter handle said, “The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris! We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let’s work together!”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the new president-elect tweeting, “Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory! As the VP, your contribution to strengthening Indo-US relations was critical and invaluable. I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights.”
In a similar tweet from his official Twitter handle, Modi also congratulated the new Vice President-elect Kamala Harris noting, “Heartiest congratulations @KamalaHarris! Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans. I am confident that the vibrant India-US ties will get even stronger with your support and leadership.”
European Union Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen in a statement said, “I warmly congratulate Mr Joe Biden on his victory in the US presidential election and look forward to meeting him at the earliest possible opportunity.
“The European Union and the United States are friends and allies, our citizens share the deepest of links…As the world continues to change and new challenges and opportunities appear, our renewed partnership will be of particular importance.”
Pakistani Prime Minister via his Twitter handle said, “Congratulations @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris. Look forward to President Elect Biden’s Global Summit on Democracy & working with him to end illegal tax havens & stealth of nation’s wealth by corrupt ldrs. We will also continue to work with US for peace in Afghanistan & in the region.”
Spain Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said, “Record citizen participation, strong institutions and a President-elect @JoeBiden with a first woman to ever hold the position of Vice-President @KamalaHarris. Looking foward to working together.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte also joined other world leaders in congratulating Biden saying, “On behalf of the Dutch cabinet I would like to congratulate @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris with their election victory after a close race. I am looking forward to continue the strong bond between our countries, and hope to speak with him about these matters soon.”
Former U.S President Barack Obama also joined world leaders to salute Biden on his electoral victory.
Obama said Americans are lucky that Biden has what it takes to be president and is already carrying himself that way.
“This is because when he walks into the White House in January, he will face extraordinary challenges no incoming president ever has:
“A raging pandemic, an unequal economy and justice system, a democracy at risk and a climate in peril.
“I know he will do the job with the best interest of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote,” Obama said.
The former President, under whom Biden served as Vice, urged Americans to give him a chance and their support.
According to him, the election results at every level indicate the deep and bitter divisions in the country.
He noted that it would be up to all Americans, not just Biden and the Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris, to “lower the temperature” and unite the country.
In a tweet, Harris said the election was “so much more than Biden and her.
“It’s about the soul of America and our willingness to fight for it. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Let’s get started,” she said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ms Nancy Pelosi, issued a statement saying Americans have elected a president “ready on Day One to crush the coronavirus” to pave the way for economic recovery.
“In President-elect Biden, the American people delivered a mandate for lower health costs, a mandate for creating bigger paychecks by rebuilding America’s infrastructure, and a mandate for cleaner government that works for the public interest, not the special interests.
“And in President-elect Biden, they have elected a unifier who values faith, family and community, and who will work tirelessly to heal our nation.
“President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris won with a strong margin, and they will have a strong Democratic House Majority by their side.
“Working together, we have the opportunity to deliver extraordinary progress for the people,” Pelosi said.
Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, also reacted in separate tweets.
“America has spoken and democracy has won. Now we have a President-Elect and Vice President-Elect who will serve all of us and bring us all together.
“Congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on your momentous victory,” the former president said.
For her part, Hilary, who lost the presidential race to Trump in 2016, described the Biden-Harris ticket as “history-making”.
“The voters have spoken, and they have chosen @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris to be our next president and vice president.
“It’s a history-making ticket, a repudiation of Trump, and a new page for America.
“Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Onward, together,” she said.