Turkish president Tayyip Erdoğan becomes the latest world leader to congratulate Tinubu

PRESIDENT Tayyip Erdoğan has become the latest world leader to congratulate Nigeria's president-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu calling for a mutual cooperation and partnership that would further the friendly relationship between the two countries.

On Saturday February 25, Nigerians went to the polls to elect a new president and the Independent National Election Commission (Inec) subsequently declared Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the winner. Among the other main gladiators in the contest were Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party and former Kano State governor Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP).

Inec chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as the returning officer for the presidential election, declared Asiwaju Tinubu the victor of the contest with 8,794,726 votes, defeating Alhaji Abubakar of the PDP, who came second with 6,984,520 votes and Governor Obi who came third with 6,101,533 votes. On May 29, President-elect Tinubu is going to be sworn-in in line with the dictates of Nigeria's constitution.

Already, President Xi Jinping of China, British prime minister Rishi Sunak, French president Emmanuel Macron and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu have all congratulated President-elect Tinubu. President Erdoğan has now joined them, describing Asiwaju Tinubu as a brother.

In his letter, President Erdoğan also underscored the importance of Nigeria as the strongest nation in the African continent,  while wishing Asiwaju Tinubu a successful tenure of office that will usher in progress for the people of Nigeria. President Erdoğan said:“On behalf of the Turkish nation, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to your excellency on the occasion of your election as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the elections held on February 25, 2023.

"I believe that as our strategic partner, Nigeria, under your leadership, will continue its course to a prosperous future. Türkiye attaches great importance to improving its relations with Nigeria, as the strongest nation in the African continent.

"With this understanding, I have no doubt that with our joint efforts we will develop the friendly relations and the growing close cooperation between our countries to the mutual benefit of our people. I avail myself of this opportunity to express my heartfelt wishes for the health and happiness of Your Excellency, as well as, the wellbeing and prosperity of the friendly people of Nigeria.”