Tinubu congratulates Lula on historic fourth-term victory, eyes stronger Nigeria-Brazil ties
Abdullateef Fowewe
President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election for a record fourth term, describing it as an opportunity to deepen longstanding ties between the two nations.
In a statement posted shared on Monday via X, Tinubu wrote, “I congratulate my friend, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, on his re-election for a record fourth term.”
He added that the renewed mandate “offers an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding friendship and historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil.”
Tinubu highlighted shared priorities as leading nations of the Global South, saying the two countries “can promote economic integration and advance our shared interests in a rapidly changing global order.”
He listed areas for expanded cooperation including trade and investment, agriculture and food security, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology, education, aviation, and cultural exchange.
“I affirm Nigeria’s continued commitment to working with Brazil to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance shared priorities in Africa, South America, and across the Global South,” the statement continued.
Tinubu closed by wishing Lula “a successful new term in office” on behalf of the Nigerian people.
Lula secured the victory in Sunday’s runoff election, defeating far-right Senator Flávio Bolsonaro with approximately 51.8% of the vote to Bolsonaro’s 48.2%.
The result marked a dramatic comeback after Lula trailed in the first round and made him the first Brazilian president elected to a fourth non-consecutive term.
Lula previously served from 2003 to 2010 and returned to office in 2023; his new term is due to begin in January 2027.
Bolsonaro has refused to concede and called for the results to be annulled.
Nigeria and Brazil maintain historical and economic links as major developing economies, with cooperation often framed under South-South partnership.
Both countries are significant players in oil and gas, agriculture, and multilateral forums.
