Nigeria’s next president: Muhammadu Buhari beats Goodluck Jonathan
Lagos, Nigeria (CNN) Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission has declared opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari the winner of Nigeria’s presidential election.
Buhari, a retired major general, defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan by about 2 million votes.
Earlier, Jonathan phoned Buhari on Tuesday to concede defeat.
The outgoing president also issued a written statement to his nation.
“I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country, and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure,” he said.
“I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word.”
Buhari, 72, will take the helm of Africa’s most populous nation at a critical time, as Nigeria grapples with the violent militant group Boko Haram.