Since last night, it has been clear that General Muhammadu Buhari is the winner of the presidential election in Nigeria. In this poll, Nigerians have sent a signal that could have an impact on the region and on Africa as a whole. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the electorate has voted against the incumbent president and brought about a change of government democratically.

I congratulate Muhammadu Buhari on his election. The Nigerian electorate has given him a clear mandate, which must now be fulfilled. Buhari and Jonathan have already urged their followers to follow due process in disputes over the election results. I support this call. In view of the great challenges faced by Nigeria, all those involved must now focus on ensuring there is an orderly transition of power. By conceding defeat at an early stage, Jonathan has taken an important step in safeguarding the handover of power.