Tobias Sylvester
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged United States President, Donald Trump, to emulate his Nigerian counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari, on how to handle defeat after losing an election.
APC stated this in a statement by its Secretary of Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, John Akpanudoedehe, titled, “The integrity of a leader is as important as strong institutions”.
The ruling party faulted President Trump for refusing to concede defeat and condemned the US Capitol Hill riot by pro-Trump protesters.
APC stressed that President Buhari contested and lost in elections several times but followed due process through to the Supreme Court.
“The events of the past 72 hours in the United States of America are to say the least condemnable. Over time, the elections of the US have been used as a touchstone for elections in other democracies,” APC said.
“It is settled that strong institutions are fundamental to the sustenance of democracies. However, this US election saga strongly underscores the fact that the integrity of the country’s leader essentially complements the workings of institutions.
“President Muhammadu Buhari contested and lost elections a number of times and followed the process through to the Supreme Court on all accounts. This is an outstanding credential of a true democrat.
“Upon ultimately gaining victory in 2015, the APC-led administration has carried out fundamental reforms to strengthen our institutions.
“For instance, non-interference in the functions of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The APC has contested elections; won some, lost some without splitting hairs. In fact, at some point, the APC lost over five states to the Peoples Democratic Party, yet we allowed democracy to prevail. We have remained resolute in our belief that in every electoral contest, popular will must prevail.”
Meanwhile, A former Nigerian Senator, Dino Melaye said that the election of Trump wasn’t a mistake as God wanted to use his’foolishness’ to humble Americans.
