Victor Ezeja
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated the Republic of Chad’s President-elect, Mahamat Déby.
According to a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu applauded the people and government of Chad for conducting a free and fair election, noting that the outcome reflects their commitment to upholding the principle of democracy and ensuring orderly transitions in the region.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the statement, President Tinubu assured the Chad’s President-elect of better cooperation between both countries, especially in the area of peace and security in the region.
Part of the statement read: “President Tinubu affirms that the successful conduct of elections in the nation underlines the commitment of the government and the people of Chad to democracy and orderly transitions in the region.
“The President assures President-elect Déby that Nigeria will continue to work closely with the Republic of Chad, as both countries seek to enhance peace, security, and shared prosperity for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
“The President also calls for sustained, friendly cooperation between both nations, while wishing the President-Elect success as he undertakes this noble service to the people of Chad.”
Mahamat Idriss Deby, who has been the military leader of the central African country since 2021 won the presidential election held on Monday.
According to the provisional results released on Thursday, by the country’s electoral commission, Deby won 61.03 per cent of votes, beating Prime Minister Succes Masra, who scored only 18.53 per cent.
Deby’s Journey to Chad’s Presidency
Deby became the leader of what was termed Transitional Military Council (TMC) after the late President Idriss Deby, his father died while commanding troops in an offensive against rebels in northern Chad.
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The takeover was described as a military coup by some political actors within the country, as constitutional provisions for filling the vacant seat of the president was not followed. According to the constitution provides that the president of the National Assembly should have been allowed to become Acting President after president Idriss Déby’s death, while they conduct an election within a period of no less than 45 days and no more than 90 days.
The TMC headed by Mahamat Deby was to conduct presidential election in August 2022, but later extended the transition government to 2024.
In a brief televised address after the result was announced, Debt said: “I am now the elected president of all Chadians.” Debt, a trained military officer, promised honour his “commitments” to the people of Chad.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
