General Muhammadu Buhari has beaten Goodluck Johnathan at the polls, in one of Nigeria’s most controversial elections.
Johnathan, who is the nation’s first sitting president to lose his seat, bowed out gracefully, a surprise for many, who believed that the now former president would contest, perhaps claiming that the votes were rigged, or that the voting was unfair as several territories once captured by Boko Haram, were unable to vote.
The run up to the elections was not as smooth as one would hope, a result of the havoc reaped by Boko Haram on Nigeria’s northern states. Voting was meant to take place on February 14th however due to Boko Haram’s unrelenting attacks, they were postponed.
Despite this, several world leaders including President Barak Obama and David Cameron have praised Nigeria’s handling of this election. Many waited with bated breath as the results came in, expecting violence to quickly ensue; luckily this did not happen.
“I send my warmest congratulations to General Buhari on being elected as Nigeria’s next President,” Prime Minister David Cameron stated. “This election has been a credit to the Nigerian people and a truly historic moment for Nigerian democracy. The UK remains a steadfast partner for Nigeria as it realises its potential as Africa’s economic powerhouse and works to tackle terrorism in the region.”
In his acceptance speech Buhari has promised to deal with the seemingly unending problem of Boko Haram stating that he will ‘spare no effort’ to defeat them.
“Boko Haram will soon know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror and bring back peace,” he said.
“We should spare no effort. In tackling the insurgency, we have a tough and urgent job to do.”
Buhari also stated that he will be “fighting corruption” within the Nigerian government.
“Democracy and the rule of law will be established in the land,” he added.
“Let’s put the past behind us, especially the recent past. We must forget our old battles and past grievances and forge ahead.”
