Buhari, PDP condemn coup attempt in Turkey, urge reconciliation

President, party condole Erdogan

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday joined other world leaders in condemning the coup attempt, which resulted in the death of over 100 people.

Reacting to the tragic events in Ankara, Istanbul and other centres, the President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, expressed sadness on the violent attempt to dismantle constitutional authority and overthrow the democratically elected government of Tayyip Erdogan.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the attempt to overthrow the legitimate government, describing it as an unpopular channel of ascending to power.

Chairman, National Caretaker Committee Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, CON, on behalf of the entire leadership of the Party said the attempt by the military to take-over government is no longer a popular and acceptable venture and therefore advised those still nurturing the idea to desist from it forthwith.

Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the spokesman of the party in a statement on behalf of the PDP extended their condolences to the President and the entire people of the country for the loss of lives during the botched coup d’état.

Continuing, Buhari said removal of a democratic government by force is no longer acceptable and violence could never solve any problem but only complicates them and sets back the progress of democratic societies.

The President also stressed that Erdogan is one of Nigeria’s close international partners and sincere supporters in its current war against terrorism, adding that all should resist the “destabilization of democratic countries through coups d’état in the 21st century.”

According to President Buhari, “Democracy provides peaceful options of changing governments through the ballot box. The ballot box doesn’t require violence to remove any government perceived to have lost its popularity and public support. Despite its limitations, democracy is still better and more durable than a violent change of government.”

The President praised the courage and immediate response of the ordinary citizens, who in face of guns and tanks defied the rebel soldiers and forced them to abandon their mad quest for power.

Buhari however, urged Erdogan to pursue reconciliation, while offering Nigeria’s support to the government and people of Turkey in their hour of trial.