1st April, 2015
Prof. Remi Sonaiya of KOWA Party on Tuesday congratulated Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on his victory in the presidential election, and reminded him that the expectations of Nigerians were very high.
Sonaiya, the only female among the contestants that lost to Buhari in the March 28 election, congratulated the APC candidate on behalf of her party.
In a message sent to NAN, Sonaiya prayed that God would give Buhari the needed wisdom to give Nigerians a better quality of life.
While congratulating Buhari, she said: “I also wish to note that the expectations of Nigerians for a better quality of life are very high.
“I pray that God will grant the General the wisdom to rise up to the challenge and live up to the challenge and live up to the promises of his campaign.”
Sonaiya, shedding more light in a telephone interview with NAN, said that the victory of Buhari, who won the presidential election after three failed attempts, showed what determination could do.
“It shows determination, he believed he had something to offer and kept at it,” she said.
Sonaiya said her participation in the election would encourage more women to come into politics to fill a vacuum that still exists.
The professor said that she would focus on building the KOWA Party to become stronger and help to deepen the nation’s democracy.
Similarly, The presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Mani Ahmad, on Tuesday, congratulated Buhari on his victory.
He sent the congratulatory message in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ahmad said “as I congratulate you on this well-deserved victory, I also pray that the Almighty will guide you as you steer the ship of state.”
“May I add that this is more of a victory for the people of Nigeria.
“The expectations are certainly higher now for you to deliver on promises made.”
The ADC candidate described the 2015 presidential election which he participated as historic in terms of build-up, the election proper and the final outcome.
He declared that “Nigerians have spoken loud and clear and demonstrated ability to put their destinies in their hands, irrespective of whatsoever.”
Similarly, the Rivers chapter of the APC had congratulated Buhari over his victory in the March 28 presidential election.
The state Chairman of the party, Chief Davies Ikanya, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the victory was expected and well deserved.
He stated that “today, March 31, 2015, will remain indelible in Nigeria’s history as it was the day Nigerians, through their votes, spoke with one voice.
“With this change of guard, we wish to proclaim a new dawn for our dear country, Nigeria.”
According to Ikanya, Buhari is a quintessential statesman with proven record of integrity and performance.
He said “we urge him to hit the ground running as we have no time to waste in rebuilding our nation.”
The chairman said Nigerians expected so much from Buhari and urged him not to condone corruption.
“We must improve on agriculture and use it as tool for creating jobs for our teeming youths.
“Security and the eradication of Boko Haram should also be top priorities.”
The APC chairman assured the President-elect that the state chapter of the party would continue to support him and his administration.