Accepting Defeat, Extending Congratulations: Nigerian Lawmaker Congratulates President Tshisekedi of DRC

A distinguished member of the Federal Parliament of Nigeria, the House of Representatives, and chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, wishes to extend his congratulations to the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, on his anticipated victory in the recently concluded presidential election.

Preliminary results have indicated a significant lead for the incumbent, Tshisekedi, in the election. However, opposition candidates in the presidential race have announced plans to march against the outcome in the capital on Wednesday.

Martin Fayulu, a prominent contender to President Felix Tshisekedi in the election held on December 20, expressed in an interview that the opposition candidates, who had called for a joint demonstration over alleged election irregularities, are determined to proceed with the march due to their belief that the exercise was marred by fraud.

In response to this, the Nigerian lawmaker, Ugochinyere, urged Fayulu and others to accept defeat and honour the popular will of the Congolese people by congratulating President Tshisekedi. He further called for the protest and the demand for cancellation of the election to be halted.

Ugochinyere characterised the election as being free, fair, and a true reflection of the decision of the Congolese people. He noted the significant victory of President Tshisekedi, obtaining over 81% of the votes, with over 1.5 million votes, as opposed to the leading rival Katumbi, who secured a mere 284,000 votes, equivalent to approximately 15%. This outcome, according to Ugochinyere, clearly signifies Congo’s unified statement and endorsement of the mining reforms, free education, healthcare, and the President’s efforts in combating militias. It also reflects the citizens’ eagerness and commitment to seeing him further advance these positive initiatives.

He expressed dismay at the calls for the election to be cancelled and the subsequent protests, denouncing such actions as being funded by desperate criminals who have lost their illicit mineral extraction businesses due to the reforms implemented by President Felix. This suggests the motive to incite civil unrest and armed conflict through opposition-led violence, allowing them to exploit the chaos for illegal mining and ransacking of Congo’s mineral resources.

Ugochinyere urged the people of Congo to resist such unpatriotic provocations and defend the mandate they have entrusted to President Felix Tshisekedi. He encouraged them to disregard any calls for disruption and to instead exhibit solidarity for the President, who is lauded as a reformist and unifier.

The upcoming days will be crucial as the political climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to evolve. It remains pivotal for all parties involved to engage in a dialogue that prioritises the peace and stability of the nation. With the expectation of President Felix Tshisekedi’s successful re-election, it is paramount that the voices of the Congolese people be heard and respected, allowing for a harmonious transition into this new phase of leadership.