Buhari Off To Gambia To Counsel Jammeh

SAN FRANCISCO, December 12, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Gambia, on Tuesday, with other West Africa leaders to persuade President Yahya Jammeh to hand power over to Adama Barrow, the president-elect.

John Mahama, Ghanaian president who just lost and conceded will also join the African leaders in persuading Jammeh to relinquish power.

THEWILL recalls that Jammeh lost the just-concluded election in the country, and conceded the elections to Barrow, a real estate mogul who won with 222,708 votes (43.3%), while Jammeh polled 208,487 (39.6%).

“I'm calling you to wish you all the best, the Gambian people have spoken and I have no reason to contest the will of Almighty Allah,” Jammeh had said.

However, Jammeh later turned round to reject the election result calling for thorough investigation.

“After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election,” he said.

“I lament serious and unacceptable abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral process. I recommend fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a god-fearing and independent electoral commission.”

Story by Oputah David