Abuja, Nigeria – Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has praised Liberian President George Weah for demonstrating statesmanship by accepting defeat in the just-concluded presidential election and extending congratulations to opposition leader Joseph Boakai.
Following Liberia’s electoral commission’s announcement that Boakai secured 50.89% of the vote, with more than 99% of polling stations tallied, while Weah garnered 49.11%, Jonathan took to Twitter on Saturday to express his satisfaction with the democratic process in Liberia.
In his tweets, titled ‘Liberia wins, Democracy gains,’ Jonathan lauded Weah for his gracious acceptance of defeat, noting, “President Weah has exhibited an exemplary display of statesmanship and commitment to the peace and progress of his country.”
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (@TheWAEF) Mediation Mission during the general elections and the presidential run-off poll in Liberia, called on Boakai to be magnanimous in victory and continue efforts to unite and advance the country.
He emphasized that the peaceful election process and Boakai’s win were positive developments for democracy and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). “I am delighted that at the end of the exercise, Liberia wins, democracy gains, and our sub-region, ECOWAS, is better for it,” Jonathan stated.
Boakai, who served as vice-president for 12 years under former President Ellen Sirleaf, will officially assume presidential duties when sworn in this coming January 2024. Weah, a former professional footballer, became Liberia’s president in 2018, making history as the first African former professional footballer to lead a nation.