In the aftermath of a keenly-contested election, Obi, a former Anambra State Governor, extended his congratulations to the triumphant Liberian former Vice President, Joseph Boakai. The tide turned against Weah in his re-election bid, succumbing to Boakai, the same opponent he had triumphed over with a substantial margin in the 2017 second-round presidential vote.
On the eve of Friday, November 17, 2023, the Liberian electoral commission unveiled the verdict: the opposition leader clinched victory with 50.9% of the vote, leaving Weah trailing at 49.1%. Post-announcement, President Weah, in a gracious nod to democracy, congratulated his adversary and expressed gratitude to the Liberian people for their peaceful exercise of civic rights.
In a cascade of tweets on Saturday night via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi showered praise on Weah for gracefully conceding defeat to his rival. The gesture, in Obi's view, exemplified the President's profound reverence for democracy and the rule of law.
"I've closely observed the just-concluded and seamlessly executed Presidential elections in our West African neighbor, Liberia. Kudos to the declared winner, former Vice President and now President-elect of Liberia, H.E. Joseph N. Boakai of the Unity Party.
"My congratulations also extend to President H.E. George Weah, gracefully acknowledging defeat. A special thanks, especially, for his exemplary commitment to democracy and the rule of law," read a portion of his tweet.
He reserved commendation for Liberia's electoral commission, lauding them for orchestrating a credible poll that set lofty standards for other African nations to emulate.
"To cap it off, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the entire populace of Liberia, saluting their National institutions, notably the Electoral Commission of Liberia. Their exemplary conduct has elevated the credibility of the elections, fortifying democracy not just in Liberia but across Africa.
"Liberia has raised the bar for other African countries, demonstrating how Presidential elections can conclude without acrimony and litigation. I wish them a seamless transition and continuity in governance. -PO," he added.
In a departure from his Liberian counterpart, the Labour Party's presidential candidate found himself in third place, trailing behind President Bola Tinubu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Obi contested the outcome of the February 25 election all the way to the Supreme Court, but his allegations of collusion between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling party fell short of proving his victory was robbed.
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