WASHINGTON
President Barack Obama congratulated President-elect Muhammadu Buhari for his victory in Nigeria’s recent presidential election.
"On behalf of the American people, I extend congratulations to the people of Nigeria and to President-elect Buhari and look forward to continuing to work with the newly-elected government on our many shared priorities," Obama said in a statement.
"By turning out in large numbers and sometimes waiting all day to cast their votes, Nigerians came together to decide the future of their country peacefully," he added.
The elections were delayed due to security threats posed by the Boko Haram terror group, which recently claimed allegiance to Daesh.
After losing three presidential races, Buhari, a former military ruler, has finally clinched Nigeria's top post.
The 73-year-old Sunni Muslim won 15.4 million votes out of a total of 28,6 million valid ballots cast. Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, his main electoral rival, won 12.9 million votes.
Buhari had unsuccessfully contested all three of the country's presidential polls since 2003.
Obama commended Jonathan and Buhari for their public commitments to non-violence throughout the campaign.
"President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating President-elect Buhari on his victory," Obama said.
The American leader urged both Nigerian leaders to repeat calls to their supporters to continue to respect the election outcomes.
