King Charles appoints Keir Starmer UK PM as Tinubu, Obi send congratulation messages

King CharlesII on Friday received in audience Sir Keir Starmer MP and requested him to form a new administration.

Sir Keir accepted His Majesty’s offer and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.

Recall that his party, Labour Party, won the United Kingdom’s elections with a landslide on Thursday.

This is just as President Bola Tinubu congratulated Starmer, on the victory of his party in the UK general election.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday, the President said as a former leader of the opposition in Nigeria, he noted the determination and courage the incoming Prime Minister of the UK demonstrated throughout his years in the opposition and as the leader of the Labour Party.

The President stated that the party’s ability to reform, mobilise, and position itself for victory after 14 years clearly affirmed the leadership qualities of Starmer.

“President Tinubu also congratulates the citizens and the government of the United Kingdom, describing the Kingdom as an abiding model of democracy and Nigeria’s long-standing partner.

“The President looks forward to deepening relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in mutual areas of interest and in strengthening democratic institutions, as well as in building a safer and more prosperous future for the people of both countries,” the statement added.

I the same vein, the candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, Peter Obi, congratulated the new PM.

He said in a statement, “I sincerely congratulate @Keir_Starmer, and the Labour Party UK on the landslide victory they recorded in Thursday’s election. May the victory translate to a better and new chapter for all the UK residents as you remain committed to your electoral promises.

“I also hope that your government will promote stronger ties between the UK and Nigeria, and help in deepening our own democracy, especially during the challenging times that our nation is going through.

“Nigeria is grappling with issues such as insecurity, education, healthcare, and poverty, and could greatly benefit from the support of the UK. Let us work together to build a brighter future commonwealth for all. I wish you a successful tenure.”