Nigeria has extended congratulations to Botswana’s President-elect, Duma Boko, on his historic electoral victory.
The announcement was made in a letter released Friday by the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe.
The congratulatory message follows Boko’s win as the opposition candidate of the Umbrella for Democratic Change, which unseated the long-ruling Botswana Democratic Party and its leader, incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi. The BDP had held power for over three decades.
Expressing solidarity with Botswana, Nigeria highlighted the shared vision between the two nations.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to congratulate the President-elect of the Republic of Botswana, Lawyer Duma Boko, following the victory of his party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), at the just concluded general elections in Gaborone,” the letter stated.
Nigeria also commended the composure and leadership of outgoing President Masisi, who accepted the election outcome.
“Nigeria wishes to also commend the fortitude of the outgoing President, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, in embracing the result and charting a way forward for the country,” the statement continued.
As Nigeria and Botswana continue their partnership, Nigeria expressed optimism about Botswana’s new era.
The statement added, “As Botswana remains an important ally and partner, Nigeria shares the hopes and aspirations of the brotherly government and people of Botswana, as they delve into the next chapter of their nationhood.”
Earlier, President Masisi gracefully conceded defeat, acknowledging Boko’s win in the presidential election.
