'This victory is inspirational' - Peter Obi congratulates Senegal's president-elect Faye

Peter Obi has congratulated Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal's president-elect on his victory in the presidential elections held over the weekend.

Faye, a 44-year-old was named the next president of the West African country after defeating former Prime Minister Amadou Ba who was a frontrunner in the polls.

Ba was also backed by incumbent President Macky Sall.

Obi, a presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) who put up an impressive showing during the 2023 general elections but failed to clinch the ultimate prize, described his victory as "inspirational" noting "it is a huge boost to Nigerians who are resolute and tirelessly working to ensure that the democratic aspirations are realized in the years ahead".

Obi, just like president-elect Faye changed the face of the electoral process. Despite coming third in the presidential elections held in March 2023, the former Anambra governor's campaign was heavily driven by young citizens who were clamoring for change.

He arguably became and remains a source of hope to young Nigerians who believe in a country that works.

“I like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye for his victory in the Senegalese Presidential election. This triumph stands significantly as a testament to the beauty of democracy and the unwavering power of the people," excerpts of Obi's statement reads on X.

"We may be heading towards the era of a new youthful leadership in Africa. The successful outcome of the election in Senegal serves as an inspiration to us all in the sub-region and indeed all of Africa, in reaffirming that the democratic process is anchored and rooted in the will of the people. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the progress and prosperity that this new leadership will bring to Senegal and the wider African continent."

"This victory is inspirational and it is a huge boost to Nigerians who are resolute and tirelessly working to ensure that the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people are realized without hindrance in the years ahead," he added.

Faye's victory reflected frustration among youth with high unemployment and concerns about governance in the West African nation.

In his first speech delivered as president-elect late Monday, the former tax inspector promised a fresh chapter following the months of violence and many political arrests that led up to the election, France 24 reports

“I pledge to govern with humility and transparency and to fight corruption at all levels. I pledge to devote myself fully to rebuilding our institutions," he said, restating promises made during his campaign.

Faye, who was backed by popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, has vowed to improve Senegal's control over its natural resources by promoting national companies to prevent the country from falling into what his campaign called “economic enslavement.”

He ran in the place of his close ally Sonko, who was barred from running due to a prior conviction.