Nigeria's Buhari urges post-electoral peace, conciliation

By Rafiu Ajakaye 

LAGOS 

Nigerian president-elect Muhammadu Buhari extended an olive branch to his rivals in the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) following the announcement of his victory in Saturday's presidential elections.

In a statement late Tuesday, Buhari, leader of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), praised the "statesmanship" of his rival, outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan, after the latter congratulated him on his victory over the phone.

"President Jonathan engaged in a spirited campaign and was a worthy opponent. I extend my hand of fellowship to him. I look forward to meeting him soon as we plan the transition from one administration to another," Buhari said, referring to the outgoing president and the leader of PDP.

"He will receive nothing but understanding, cooperation and respect from me and my team," Buhari asserted.

Buhari, a former military ruler and the first opposition candidate to unseat a president through elections in the country's history, also hailed Nigerian voters, saying they "answered the call of history."

"When the account of this fine moment is written, it will be said that it was the people themselves who led this nation to democracy," he said.

"You stood in line patiently for hours in the sun, rain and then in the dark to cast your ballots," he went on to say.

"Even when the vote was extended to Sunday in some places, you still performed your civic duty. You did so peacefully. You voted with your heart. Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria’s future can be better than what it is today," Buhari added.

"You voted for change and now change has come."

Buhari has won 21 states while incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan won 15 states in addition to the federal capital Abuja, according to the Independent National Election Commission (INEC).

The INEC is yet to announce the total number of votes each of the two presidential contenders had gathered.

On Tuesday night, the APC national headquarters in Abuja was flooded by thousands of celebrating youths, chanting victory songs and expressing hope that the country would get better under Buhari. Local bands played and youths danced to an assortment of music.

Buhari, for his part, urged his fellow Nigerians to adhere to peacefulness and avoid any election-related confrontations.

"Most people will welcome the result because it is the one they voted for. Others will naturally be disappointed. I ask that we all be circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these times," he said.

"This was a hard- fought contest. Emotions are high. We must not allow them to get the better of us. This is not the time for confrontation. This is a moment that we must begin to heal the wounds and work toward a better future," he added.

He also asserted that his party would extend "a hand of friendship and conciliation" to all the country's political parties and hoped they would reciprocate.

"In the interim, I call on all Nigerians to be law abiding and peaceful. The eyes of the world were focused on us to see if we could vote in a peaceful way and carry out a representative election in an orderly manner," he said.

Buhari also asserted that he would make a "more formal address" to the nation on later Wednesday after receiving the certificate of return from INEC.