Jonathan congratulates President Mahama of Ghana on his election

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati.

Jonathan welcomed Mahama’s success in securing his people’s mandate for a full term in office, following his assumption of presidential powers after the death of his predecessor, Prof. John Attah-Mills, in July 2012.

He noted that Mahama’s victory in the polls was an endorsement by the Ghanaian electorate of his leadership and his party’s action plan for further socio-economic development and continued consolidation of democracy in the country.

“President Jonathan notes that the very keenly contested elections have been adjudged as free and fair by observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international observers.

“The President on behalf of himself, the government and people of Nigeria salutes the people of Ghana for the successful conduct of the polls.’’

Jonathan urged the president elect to extend a hand of partnership to the opposition in the spirit of reconciliation and national progress.

The President also enjoined all political leaders in Ghana to join hands with the government to collectively deepen democracy in the country in the overriding interest of continued peace, political stability and progress in their country.

He assured Mahama of the continued support, cooperation and goodwill of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria to his administration and the brotherly people of Ghana.

The statement said the President looked forward to continuing to work and collaborate with Mahama and his administration at bilateral and multilateral levels on issues of common interest to Nigeria and Ghana.

Mahama was on Sunday declared winner of the keenly contested Presidential polls with 50.70 per cent of the votes cast.

His close rival, Nana Akufo-Addo of New Patriotic Party scored 47.74 per cent.

With eight candidates in the race, more than 50 per cent was needed for a clear win and to avoid a second-round runoff.

The opposition had reportedly alleged fraud in the elections, contending that the results announced “by the evidence, do not reflect the mandate of the required majority of the Ghanaian electorate.’’ (NAN)