President Kenyatta congratulates Buhari on his re-election

President Uhuru Kenyatta has congratulated his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election for a second term.

In a statement to newsrooms, President Kenyatta termed Buhari’s victory as “a demonstration of the trust and confidence” that the electorate has in his leadership.

He further pledged his support ahead of Buhari’s second four-year term at the helm of Africa’s largest economy and most populous country.

“Kenya and Nigeria enjoy longstanding cordial relations and a strong cooperation in many areas. I look forward to continue working closely with Your Excellency to in consolidating these mutually beneficial areas of cooperation for the greater good of our two countries,” read the statement.

“Accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, my renewed assurance of close cooperation of the Republic of Kenya and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,”

Buhari won by 3.9 million votes (56 percent), having garnered 15.2 million compared with 11.3 million votes cast  his closest rival, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party.

The turnout, based on valid votes, was 33.2 percent. In the 2015 presidential election, turnout was 44 percent.

Nigeria’s opposition has however dismissed the results stating that the elections were marred with irregularities.