In phone call, UN chief congratulates Nigeria’s President-elect Buhari

Taking note of the results of the Nigerian presidential and parliamentary elections announced yesterday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called President-elect Muhammadu Buhari to congratulate him, and called on all Nigerians to accept the outcome of the elections.

“The Secretary-General talked to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Major General (Rtd) Muhammadu Buhari. He congratulated President-elect Buhari and commended President Jonathan for his leadership throughout the electoral process and his statesmanship in upholding the democratic process,” said a note released by Mr. Ban's spokesman's office in New York.

“The Secretary-General believes the successful conduct of these polls is a testament to the maturity of Nigeria's democracy,” the statement added.

Mr. Ban also thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for organizing and carrying out the elections in a professional manner under challenging circumstances. He also appealed to the Nigerian people to address any complaints they may have through existing legal and constitutional channels.

The UN chief also said that he hoped the same democratic spirit will prevail in the conduct of the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections on 11 April.