ICC Note: Nigerians have entrusted the fight against extremist Muslim insurgents Boko Haram to another Muslim, electing Muhammadu Buhari (All Progressive Congress) to the presidency. Buhari is a Fulani from Katsina State in northern Nigeria and is an outspoken supporter of Sharia Law, at least in Nigeria’s north. However, many voters displayed greater confidence in the retired military general than in incumbent Christian Goodluck Jonathan (People’s Democratic Party) to oust the terrorists who continue to wreak havoc on Christian communities in Nigeria with executions, abductions, and forced marriage of young girls.
By Dan Wooding
3/31/2015 Abuja, Nigeria (Assist News Service) — Former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari has become the first opposition candidate to win presidential elections in Nigeria.
According to the BBC, Gen. Buhari’s party said his opponent, incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, had admitted defeat and congratulated him. Mr. Jonathan trailed Gen Buhari by about two million votes when he conceded. Now the new leader has the huge task of defeating the Islamist Boko Haram group who have killed thousands of Nigerians during it reign of terror.
Observers have generally praised the election but there have been allegations of fraud, which some fear could lead to protests and violence.
A spokesman for Gen Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) party praised Mr. Jonathan, saying: “He will remain a hero for this move. The tension will go down dramatically.”
The APC issued a statement after the result was announced, calling for “calm, sober celebrations” and warning supporters not to attack opponents. “He or she is not with me, whoever does that,” the new president said.
On the run. Nigerian refugeesWill Ross, BBC Nigeria correspondent, Abuja, gave his views on the election victory for Muhammadu Buhari, saying, “This is a hugely significant moment in Nigeria’s turbulent history. Never before has a sitting resident been defeated in an election.
“Since independence from Britain in 1960, there have been numerous coups and most elections have been rigged. Of course in a close election there will be many voters who are not pleased with this outcome but the whole process is a sign that democracy is deepening in Nigeria.
“The poll has once again brought to the surface dangerous religious and regional differences and there is still a threat of violence.”
He added, “The man who has been voted out, Goodluck Jonathan, has played a huge part today in trying to prevent that. He made the phone call when there would no doubt have been some in his camp who would have preferred to dig their heels in.”
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