President Buhari hails Zambia election as victory of people power

President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the victory of Hakainde Hichilema in the just ended Zambian presidential election of August 12, 2021.

President-elect Hichilema defeated incumbent President Edgar Lungu.

A statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina said President Buhari hails the people of Zambia "who came out in their numbers to exercise their civic rights, voting candidates of their choice, signposting that the prospect of a united, stable and prosperous Africa lies in the power of the people to freely elect their leaders."

He also commended President Lungu for accepting the outcome of the election and peaceful transfer of power, "noting that this patriotic disposition deserves the praise of all lovers of democracy."

The president highlights the close and historic relationship between Nigeria and Zambia, and looks forward to working very closely with the Zambian President-elect for the peace, development and prosperity of both nations, Pulse.ng reports.

President Buhari defeated former President Goodluck Jonathan under the same circumstances in 2015.