Why Nigeria elections attracted world attention – Ghanaian President

Ghanian President, Mr. John Mahama, on Tuesday explained why the Nigeria’s general elections attracted the attention of the whole world. He said the elections attracted so much attention because Nigeria was the biggest economy in Africa and naturally the biggest economy in ECOWAS. Apart from this, he said the country remained the most populous country in Africa and also in the sub-region. He spoke when he paid a visit to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, in Abuja. He added that the election “was keenly contested and so there was heightened interest and anxiety about what would happen in this contest.” He added that after he took over as chairman of ECOWAS, he was confronted with elections in Guinea Bissau in which he said ECOWAS played a very critical role. He said Nigeria was the next and that on Saturday, there would be elections in Togo. He said, “But of course, no election has attracted attention and interest as elections that have been held here recently in Nigeria for the several reasons. “One is because Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and naturally the biggest economy in our sub—region. “Secondly, it is the most populous country in Africa and also in the sub-region; but also because in the time leading up to the elections, the election was too close to call; it was keenly contested and so there was heightened interest and anxiety about what would happen in this contest.” He added that because of all these, he paid pre-election visit to Nigeria and Jega and the secretary to the commission and few members of staff of the commission. He said, “I met Prof. Jega, in his calm self and gave me all the assurances that this commission wa ready and that we were going to have successful elections. “If you see me here today, my presence in the commission is telling you our appreciation to Jega and members of his commission for what they have done in terms of recent elections. “I decided to come personally. When I asked for the appointment, Jega and staff had offered to come over to my hotel and I said ‘no’, I want to pay you a tribute by coming here personally to congratulate you and all your commission.”