Abuja---Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday became Nigeria's president elect after defeating Goodluck Jonathan in the first democratic change of power ever in Africa's most populous nation.
The victory writes a new chapter in the country's often turbulent history after six military coups since independence in 1960 and 16 years of unbroken civilian rule by Jonathan's party.
The gripping contest also capped a remarkable transformation for the 72-year-old former army general, who led a tough military regime in the 1980s but now describes himself as a "converted democrat".
Thousands spilled onto the streets of the north's biggest city, Kano, in celebration, shouting his campaign slogan "Sai Buhari" ("Only Buhari") as he took an unassailable lead with one state to declare.
Many brandished brooms, his party symbol, with which they have pledged to sweep away years of government waste and corruption.
In the northern city of Kaduna, supporters of his All Progressives Congress (APC) chanted: "Change! Change!"
- Gripping contest -
The election was hit by glitches to new voter technology and claims of irregularities, having been played out against a backdrop of fears of deadly Boko Haram violence and poll-related clashes.
But with dissatisfaction over security, corruption and the faltering economy as oil revenues dived, voters turned out in force sensing an unprecedented opportunity for change.
In the financial hub of Lagos, in the southwest, Buhari supporters celebrated wildly, some of them on horseback, with fireworks exploding into the night
"This is the first democratic change ever in Nigeria," Anas Galadima told AFP, as thousands thronged the APC headquarters in the capital Abuja, dancing and banging drums.
"It's not about Muslim or Christian or any party. It's about politicians knowing that if you don't do the job, we can kick you out.
"I haven't been this excited since the night of Barack Obama's election."
- Dynamics changed -
Political commentator Chris Ngwodo said the victory had "instigated the supremacy and primacy of the electorate" in a country where elections had generally been a foregone conclusion for the incumbent.
"The dynamics between the governed and government has changed for good," said Ngwodo.
Buhari won because, backed by a strong and well-organised party machine, he had secured national support in a divided nation split between a largely Muslim north and mainly Christian south, he added.
Military gains against Boko Haram in recent weeks were welcomed but seen as too little, too late after so much bloodshed.
Jonathan conceded in a telephone call to Buhari at 5:15 pm even before the final results were declared, earning him praise from politicians of all stripes.
"I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word," he said later, urging disputes over the results to be settled in court rather than on the street.
"Nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian," he added.
AFP
