The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room congratulates the Nigerian people for turning out to vote during Nigeria’s national elections held on 28th March 2015, which produced Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as President-elect.

The election represents a victory for democracy and the right of the people of Nigeria to determine who rules them.

The Nigerian people showed a determination to exercise their democratic right despite several logistical challenges, delays and attempts by some politicians to frustrate the process.

Situation Room also congratulates the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and urges him to chart the course of steering Nigeria away from its present economic and political crisis and on to the path of recovery. The President-elect will be assuming office against a background of several challenges, including socio-economic downturn, rising poverty, insecurity and insurgency, unprecedented corruption and declining infrastructure. The President-elect should take steps to re-unify the country and heal the wounds of a very divisive campaign largely fought along ethnic, religious and regional lines.

We urge President-elect Buhari, to work for the common good of all of the Nigerian people, especially the poor and vulnerable sectors of the population. Civic groups will continue its work in defence of the democratic and human rights of all Nigerians and will hold the in-coming government to account, in line with constitutionally guaranteed rights entrenched under our laws and internationally recognized standards of good governance.

Situation Room commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a credible election despite the challenges encountered.

As INEC prepares to conduct the April 11 Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, Situation Room calls on INEC to take adequate steps to rectify the anomalies and issues associated with the card readers which should be used for the April 11 elections. The use of PVCs and card readers will need to be implemented in a more effective manner to ensure credible state level elections on April 11.

Situation Room also commends the Nigeria Police for their role in ensuring the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections. As we approach the April 11 elections, all arms of the security services must work professionally and in a non-partisan manner to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections

Situation Room congratulates President Goodluck Jonathan for his statesmanship in conceding defeat and congratulating President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.

In the days ahead and leading up to the final set of elections on April 11, the Situation Room urges all Nigerians and political actors to continue to be restrained and ensure that there is no violence and that peace and calm prevails in the country.