President Bola Tinubu on Friday praised the decision of his Senegalese counterpart, Macky Sall, not to seek a third term in office after the end of his tenure.
He said Sall’s decision puts national interest above personal ambition and sets a commendable tone in West Africa, which has recently been the subject of undemocratic regime change.
“With this singular decision, President Sall chose the stability, security, and economic well-being of his people over and above narrow personal interest,” Tinubu said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu President Tinubu applauds Senegalese President Macky Sall over the decision not to seek a third term.’
In the past few weeks, protests have rocked Senegal following speculations about a third-term ambition of President Sall, whose second tenure ends in 2024.
On Monday, the embattled President announced that he would not offer himself as a candidate for his country’s February 25, 2024, presidential election.
Senegal is considered one of the most stable democratic governments in Africa.
President Tinubu noted that Sall’s decision puts his country’s interest and the peace and stability of West Africa above his personal interest.
“The decision of President Mack Sall that he will abide by the constitutional term of office and not offer himself for a third term in Senegal is heart-warming.
“It has brought great joy and relief. As a Democrat, I must commend my brother for his statesmanship,” he said.
The Nigerian leader, who applauded the decision of his Senegalese counterpart, said history will be kind to President Sall.
He said, “The impact of this critical decision will be felt beyond the shores and borders of Senegal and across our West African sub-region.
“President Sall has demonstrated that leadership is about serving the people honorably and quitting the stage when the constitutionally-stipulated time is up.
“By his example, democracy and respect for people power will take stronger roots in Africa and will continue to flourish.”
