Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has said that Africans must continue to make the extra efforts in ensuring that elections in the continent go through the democratic process, remain transparent and fair.
The Vice President said this in a statement made available to newsmen by Laolu Akande, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity on Monday.
According to the statement, Osibanjo said this while receiving the President-elect of Sao Tome and Principe, Mr. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.
“There is no question at all that for those of us in Africa, we must make the extra effort to ensure that the democratic process is very transparent.
“It is such a pleasure to see that was what took place in your country which led to your election,” Osibanjo said.
Prof Osinbajo reassured Mr. Manuel Vila Nova of Nigeria’s support to ensure that his tenure is as comfortable and effective as possible as partners and friends.
In his own remarks, President-elect Vila Nova expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting Sao Tome and also thanked the Vice President for his attention, stating that Nigeria is a “friendly country” and the relationship between both countries dates back many years.
Recall that on the 18th of July, 2021, elections were held in Sao Tome to replace President Evaristo Carvalho, whose tenure expired on 3rd September, 2021.
Based on constitutional provisions, an outright winner did not emerge from the polls and a run-off led to the emergence of Mr. Vila Nova, who would be sworn in 2nd October, 2021.
