Supporters of Nigeria's newly elected president Muhammadu Buhari celebrate his victory
ADVERTISEMENTSupporters of Nigeria’s newly elected president Muhammadu Buhari celebrated victory after the former military ruler became the first Nigerian to unseat a president through a democratic election.
Voters chanted on the streets on Tuesday evening waving brooms – the official party symbol of Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) party and its claim to sweep the country clean of corruption.
Buhari praised outgoing presidentGoodluck Jonathan for peacefully relinquishing power.
“President Jonathan engaged in a strict campaign and was a worthy opponent. I extend my hand of fellowship. Looking forward to meet him very soon as we plan the transition from one administration to another,” he told reporters.
Buhari collected 15.4 million votescompared to 13.3 million for Jonathan, who has conceded defeat and congratulated his rival.
“Today the PDP (People`s Democratic Party) should be celebrating rather than mourning,” said the outgoing president.
“We have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.”
Despite some technical glitches and deadly attacks on voters by Boko Haram Islamists in the northeast, this election has been described in the media as the most peaceful in Nigeria’s history.