“Nigerians have re-elected President Muhammadu Buhari, as the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission confirms. These results are consistent with independent civil society observations”, says the text of the statement attributed to a European External Actions Service (EEAS) spokesperson.

“Moreover, important lessons are to be learned, in particular ahead of the State elections next week. It is now the responsibility of all parties and candidates to strengthen democracy and unite the country.

“The EU Election Observation Mission will stay beyond the State elections and produce a final report with recommendations.”

“The EU will continue to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria‘ – the statement concludes.

“Election is not war, and should never be seen as a do-or-die affair. I pray that we all accept this democratic approach to elections, however contentious” wrote President-elect of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari in his Twitter micro blog.