Zambian leader congratulates new Nigerian president

Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Thursday congratulated newly-elected Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan for respecting the will of the people.

Lungu said in congratulatory letters to the two Nigerian leaders that Zambia was in full support to the Nigerian democratic dispensation and the quest for lasting peace in Africa's most populous country and largest economy.

"It is Zambia's sincere hope that under President Buhari's tried leadership, Nigeria's fate and destiny will be in safe and competent hands and that President Buhari will provide the necessary leadership for the resourceful and great Nigerian people to overcome the daunting challenges the country faces," Lungu said in a statement released by his office.

The Zambian leader has since called on the new leaders in Nigeria to work together with other stakeholders to unite the country and ensure that a peaceful transition takes place.

"In the final analysis, democracy entails that those who offer themselves before a people's verdict, should always invariably be prepared to accept the results of an election," he added.

Zambia, he said, stands ready to help Nigeria at both bilateral and multilateral platforms in ensuring successful power transition and commended outgoing leader Jonathan for graciously accepting the will of the people, adding that this will further consolidate democracy in the country.

Buhari, a former military ruler emerged winner of the Feb. 28 election after polling 15.4 million votes to Jonathan's 13.3 million.

Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) party has become the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria. Endite