Goodluck Jonathan has called Muhammadu Buhari to congratulate him on winning the election. All Progressive Congress, led by Buhari, secured the popular vote in what observers have described as a peaceful election.
He went on the campaign trail to bring an end to corruption and tackle terror group Boko Haram. The group has wreaked havoc in Nigeria in recent years and killed thousands of innocent civilians. Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls last year causing an international outcry. The group later released a number of the girls. The election was initially delayed due to security fears sparked by Boko Haram.
It's not the first that Buhari has been leader of Nigeria. As a general he came to power in 1984 but was ousted a year later in another military coup. The result this week is the first time an opposition leader has won at the ballot box since military rule ended in 1999. Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960.
There has been celebrations in the capital Abuja and numerous cities in Nigeria. There was also reaction on the Nigerian Stock Market, where its index rose 6.7%. Nigeria has struggled with high unemployment and lack of development. Buhari has promised changed for his nation, which has a popular of over 173 million.
People's Democratic Party, headed by Jonathan, had been in power since 1999.
There was initial surprise at Goodluck Jonathan's phone call to Buhari in which he conceded defeat and wished the new leader well. Buhari described Jonathan as a "worthy opponent." Muhammadu Buhari won 15.4 million votes, with Goodluck Jonathan taking 13.3 million.
Buhari was embraced by his supporters, where he told them that the vote showed Nigeria had "embraced democracy." He added that the one-party state has now come to an end and thanked the people of Nigeria.
Buhari will become President on Friday 29th May, at the age of 72.
The UK and US issued a joint-statement days after the election saying: "Our governments welcome the largely peaceful vote on 28 March. The Nigerian people have shown a commendable determination to register their vote and choose their leaders."
UK Prime Minister David Cameron has congratulated Buhari on his win, saying that UK remains a "steadfast partner" for Nigeria. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said it was a "historic moment" for the people of Nigeria.
