Nigeria's Tinubu Congratulates Déby on Chad Election Victory

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has extended his warm congratulations to Mahamat Déby, the President-elect of the Republic of Chad, on his victory in the presidential election. Déby secured a decisive win with 61.03% of the votes, marking a significant step towards ending three years of military governance in the strategically important Sahel nation.

Why this matters: This election marks a crucial transition from military to democratic rule in Chad, which could have a ripple effect on the stability of the Sahel region. The outcome also underscores the importance of cooperation between Nigeria and Chad incombating extremism in the region.

In a statement released by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on Sunday, President Tinubu commended the successful conduct of elections in Chad, affirming that it "underlines the commitment of the government and the people of Chad to democracy and orderly transitions in the region." The Nigerian leader assured President-elect Déby of Nigeria's continued close cooperation with Chad to enhance peace, security, and shared prosperity for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

The election, held on May 6, saw Déby, the 40-year-old son of the late President Idriss Déby Itno, emerge victorious in the first round. Provisional results released by Chad's electoral authority on May 9 showed Déby securing 61.03% of the votes, while his main challenger, Prime Minister Succès Masra, garnered 18.5%. The announcement came weeks earlier than the planned May 21 release date.

Déby's election victory ensures the continuation of his family's three-decade rule over Chad. He was proclaimed transitional president by fellow army generals in 2021 following the death of his father, who was killed in a gun battle with rebels. The election marks a pivotal moment in Chad's transition from military to democratic rule.

President Tinubu, in his congratulatory message, called for "sustained, friendly cooperation between both nations" and wished the President-elect success as he undertakes his new role serving the people of Chad. The Nigerian President's statement underscores the importance of Chad as a key partner in combating extremism in the Sahel region of Africa.

While Déby's supporters celebrate his election victory, the runner-up Succès Masra has contested the provisional results. Masra's supporters had been conducting their own parallel ballot count and claimed to have won the election in the first round on May 9. The final election results are subject to confirmation by Chad's Constitutional Council.

Key Takeaways

• Nigeria's President Tinubu congratulates Chad's President-elect Mahamat Déby on election win.
• Déby wins with 61.03% of votes, marking a transition from military to democratic rule in Chad.
• Election outcome crucial for stability in the Sahel region and combating extremism.
• Tinubu assures Déby of Nigeria's continued cooperation for peace, security, and prosperity.
• Runner-up Succès Masra contests provisional results, awaiting final confirmation from Chad's Constitutional Council.