- 8 minutes ago
- Africa
The winner of Nigeria's presidential poll, Muhammadu Buhari, has hailed his victory as a vote for change and proof the nation has embraced democracy.
Mr Buhari also praised outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan as a "worthy opponent" who peacefully relinquished power.
Gen Buhari beat Mr Jonathan by 15.4 million votes to 12.9 million.
Observers have generally praised the election, though there have been allegations of fraud.
Mr Buhari, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has become the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria.
The former military ruler in a victory speech on Wednesday described his win as "historic". He said that the vote had vindicated the people's belief in democracy.
"Our country has now joined the community of nations that have used the ballot box to peacefully change an incumbent president in a free and fair election," he said at the APC headquarters in the capital Abuja.
Mr Buhari also praised President Jonathan as "a worthy opponent" and said that he was extending "the hand of fellowship" to him.
"We have proven to the world that we are people who have embraced democracy. We have put the one-party state behind us."
Analysis: BBC's Will Ross in Lagos
This is a hugely significant moment in Nigeria's turbulent history. Never before has a sitting president been defeated in an election.
Since independence from Britain in 1960, there have been numerous coups and although the 2011 vote was an improvement, most elections have been rigged or even annulled by the military.
Of course in a relatively close election, there will be millions of people who are not pleased with the outcome. But the whole process is a sign that democracy is deepening in Nigeria and may be a tonic to other countries in Africa.
Nigerians can start to believe that it is possible to remove politicians through the ballot box.
Gen Buhari added: "You voted for change and now change has come.
"You, Nigerians, have won. The people have shown their love for this nation and their belief in democracy."
On Tuesday, Mr Jonathan said in a statement: "I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word."
Muhammadu Buhari in focus:
- Aged 72
- Muslim from northern Nigeria
- Elected president in 28 March poll
- Military ruler of Nigeria from 1984 to 1985
- Deposed in a coup
- Poor human rights record
- Seen as incorruptible
- Disciplinarian - civil servants late for work had to do frog jumps
- Survived an apparent Boko Haram assassination attempt
The outgoing leader urged his supporters to stay calm: "Nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else."
He said he had conveyed his "best wishes" to Mr Buhari, and urged "those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process... in seeking redress".
However, analysts say the margin of victory is likely to prevent any successful legal challenge.
Mr Jonathan must officially hand over power on 29 May.
Boko Haram
This election was the fourth time that Gen Buhari, 72, had sought the presidency.
He ruled Nigeria from January 1984 until August 1985, taking charge after a military coup in December 1983.
Mr Jonathan had led Nigeria since 2010, initially as acting leader before winning elections in 2011.
Nigeria has suffered from attacks by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which has killed thousands of people in its drive to establish an Islamic state.
Many voters have said that they believe Gen Buhari is better positioned to defeat Boko Haram.
The former military ruler dominated the country's northern states, winning 94% of the vote in one of the worst affected, Borno.
How did you vote in the Nigeria elections? What do you think about the outcome? If you are willing to have your comments featured on the BBC News website, please send a picture and your story tohaveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
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