Nigerian election winner Muhammadu Buhari congratulated outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan for peacefully relinquishing power on Wednesday, a day after becoming the first Nigerian politician to unseat a sitting leader at the ballot box.
"President Jonathan was a worthy opponent and I extend the hand of fellowship to him," Mr. Buhari told journalists and supporters to loud applause.
"We have proven to the world that we are people who have embraced democracy. We have put one-party state behind us."
The margin of victory – Mr. Buhari got 15.4 million votes to Mr. Jonathan's 13.3 million - was enough to prevent any legal challenge.
In an unprecedented step, Mr. Jonathan called Mr. Buhari to concede defeat and issued a statement urging his supporters to accept the result.
The rules state he must officially hand over on May 29.
His rival All Progressives Congress Party (APC) wasted no time in crowning him a "hero" for his good sportsmanship.
"You voted for change and now change has come," Mr. Buhari said.
