President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his congratulations to President Adama Barrow of Gambia on his re-election to a second five-year term. Buhari also applauded the country’s Independent Voting Commission (IEC) for accurately administering the electoral process, Femi Adesina who is the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity said.
Mr. Buhari also lauded the inhabitants of the Gambia for their decency, maturity, and loyalty.
President Buhari promises President Barrow and all Gambians of Nigeria’s commitment and involvement as they work together to build the country stronger and better for coming generations, a statement on Monday read. Mr. Barrow was elected president of the country on Saturday, December 4.
President Adama Barrow received 457, 519 votes, beating Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party (UDP) who received 238, 253 votes. Mr. Barrow won 47 of the country’s 53 constituencies, according to the results revealed on Sunday. In 2016, the president defeated Yahya Jammeh, the country’s exiled dictator, to become the country’s third president.
Mr. Darboe’s supporters came to the streets of Gambia on Monday to protest Mr. Barrow’s victory.
The Gambian police used tear gas canisters to disperse protestors who had congregated on Kairaba Avenue on Monday afternoon, demanding that Mr. Barrow step down in favor of Mr. Darboe, their preferred candidate.