(VOVworld) - Former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari has become the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria.

Supporters of Muhammadu Buhari celebrated as the results came in (Photo: AP)

Buhari secured 15.4 million votes to defeat incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan who received 13.3 million votes in Nigeria's 36 states. According to Lai Mohammed, a spokesman for the All Progressives Congress Party (APC), President Jonathan’s call to congratulate Buhari on Tuesday was considered his concession of defeat, which will help to defuse post-election tensions in Nigeria. The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have not released any official statement.

72-year-old General Buhari ruled Nigeria from 1984 until mid-1985 after seizing power in a military coup.