(Ecofin Agency) - Muhammadu Buhari (photo) has just been elected for a new 4-year term in Nigeria, according to results published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) early today.

The former military obtained 15 million votes (56%) against 11 million (41%) for his main challenger Atiku Abubakar. According to information relayed by Radio France Internationale (RFI), the outgoing president was majorly elected in the Northern parts of the country.  

After being elected against Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari is thus taking onto a new term despite far from perfect performances. This result contradicts many observers who, some weeks ago, predicted tied results against the former vice-president.

For the time being, Atiku Abubakar’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) made no comment on the result but, during the publication of initial results, the party ordered the counting to be stopped because of possible frauds.

Let’s note that the attendance rate is said to be below 40% against 44% during the last presidential election (2015).

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou