Nigeria’s president-elect Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday sought to reconcile past differences with incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, extending a hand of friendship to his beaten election opponent.
“Let me state clearly: President Jonathan has nothing to fear from me,” he said in Abuja after his victory was confirmed in the early hours. “He is a great Nigerian and still our president.”
He added: “Democracy and the rule of law will be established in the land. Let’s put the past behind us, especially the recent past. We must forget our old battles and past grievances and forge ahead.”
Meanwhile, United States President Barack Obama spoke to Nigerian President-elect Muhammadu Buhari and outgoing leader Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday, praising both for their role in the country’s first democratic transfer of power.
Obama spoke to the men separately to “commend them for their leadership during Nigeria’s election,” the White House said.
