Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari is set to travel to Gambia to help resolve the political impasse in the West African country, several media have reported.

Sahara Reporters stated that the Nigerian leader will join his Liberian counterpart, Ellen Sirleaf, to persuade Gambian President Yahya Jammeh to concede defeat.

Presidential aide Mr Garba Shehu on Monday evening confirmed that “there is diplomacy going on.”

Shehu said there would be an official briefing to reporters on the matter.

Mr. Jammeh, who initially conceded defeat to opposition candidate Adama Barrow, later reneged; saying he would order a fresh election.

Observers and international organisations like ECOWAS, the UN and the U.S. have all asked Mr. Jammeh to respect the wish of Gambians and relinquish power after 22 years in office.

Mr. Buhari is expected to help persuade Mr. Jammeh to leave office and would also meet with Mr. Barrow to try to seek a soft landing for the outgoing dictator.

PT