Tinubu applauds Sall over third term decision

Senegalese President Macky Sall’s decision not to run for re-election once his current term ends has been praised by President Bola Tinubu.

This was announced in a statement released on Friday in Abuja by Mr. Dele Alake, Presidential Adviser, Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy.

Speculation that Sall will run for a third term when his current term ends in 2024 has sparked protests in Senegal in recent weeks.

Senegal has a reputation for being Africa’s most reliable democracy.

On Monday, Sall announced that he will not be running for president in the upcoming election on February 25, 2024, which helped defuse the situation.

Tinubu defended Sall’s move, saying it will benefit Nigeria and the stability of West Africa as a whole.

He found it inspiring that Senegal’s president had chosen not to run for a third term in office, in accordance with the country’s constitution.

We are overjoyed and relieved. Even though I’m a Democrat, I have to give my sibling credit for being a statesman.

With this one action, President Sall prioritised the safety and prosperity of his people over his own self-interest.

This historic choice will have repercussions throughout the West African region, not only in Senegal.

Tinubu praised Sall for setting a good example as president by serving his country and stepping down when his term was up, as required by the constitution.

As a result of his leadership, democracy and the power of the people will grow in Africa.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Sall, 61, was first elected in 2012 and then again in 2019.

The limit of two terms was not changed by 2016 amendments to the Senegalese constitution.

However, his opponents challenged his supporters’ claim that his first term before the constitutional amendment does not count.

Sall said, “Even though the constitution allows me to run for president, I have decided not to do so.”