Kayode Fayemi, the immediate-past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, has congratulated Ghana’s President-elect John Mahama on his victory in the country’s recent general elections.

In a statement, Mr Fayemi also commended Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his gracious concession speech, noting that ‘’his acceptance of the electoral outcome in the spirit of peace and national unity exemplifies the very best of African political leadership.’’ 

Mr Fayemi noted that Ghana had become a model of democracy for Africa, emphasising the importance of respecting the will of the people and the supremacy of democratic principles.

Mr Bawumia, 61, of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), said the election results coming in were not favourable to him and expressed his commitment to a peaceful transition of power.

His concession followed the leadership shown by former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who conceded to Muhammadu Buhari’s country’s presidential election in 2015 as results were still being collated.

During his early morning address on Sunday, Mr Bawumia said he had called Mr Mahama, former president and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, and congratulated him, drawing praises from leaders around the world.