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Nigeria elects Buhari as president in historic vote

The election was hit by glitches in new voter technology and claims of irregularities, after being delayed by six weeks due to concerns of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

– ‘First democratic change’ –

But with dissatisfaction rife over Nigeria’s security, corruption and the economy faltering as oil revenues dived, voters turned out in force sensing an unprecedented opportunity for change.

In the financial hub of Lagos, in the southwest, Buhari supporters celebrated wildly, some of them on horseback, with fireworks exploding into the night.

“This is the first democratic change ever in Nigeria,” Anas Galadima told AFP, as thousands thronged the APC headquarters in the capital Abuja, dancing and banging drums.

“It’s not about Muslim or Christian or any party. It’s about politicians knowing that if you don’t do the job, we can kick you out.

“I haven’t been this excited since the night of Barack Obama’s election.”

Political commentator Chris Ngwodo said the victory had “instigated the supremacy and primacy of the electorate” in a country where elections had generally been a foregone conclusion for the incumbent.

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