The United Kingdom (UK) has congratulated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in last Saturday’s presidential election in Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari over his victory at the polls.

Buhari was on Wednesday declared winner  by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after he defeated former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Reacting to Buhari’s victory through a statement she released on Wednesday, the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May expressed optimism in the future of the relationship between both countries.

“Congratulations Buhari. I witnessed first-hand the importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship during my trip last year.

“I look forward to continuing our close partnership and strengthening our shared prosperity and security. Nigerians can have confidence in the outcome of the presidential election that held on Saturday,” the statement read.

Also reacting to the development, the British Minister of State for Africa, Harriett Baldwin said the result declared was consistent with the civil society parallel vote tabulation process.

“I offer my congratulations to President Buhari on securing a second term as the Nigerian President.

“The UK is a long-standing friend and partner of Nigeria and the Nigerian people, and a stable and prosperous Nigeria benefits Africa and the world.

“The Nigerian people have demonstrated resilience and a commitment to democracy. The result declared by the Nigerian election commission is consistent with the result obtained through the civil society Parallel Vote Tabulation process.

“Along with our international partners, the UK believes the Nigerian people can have confidence in the result,” Baldwin said in a statement.

Baldwin however urged all aggrieved persons from the opposition parties to challenge the result in a peaceful manner.

“We also recognize that independent Nigerian voices have expressed concerns about the conduct of the electoral process, in particular logistics and results collation and reports of intimidation of election official.

“We urge any party or individual who wishes to challenge the process to do so peacefully and through the appropriate legal channel and we encourage Nigerian authorities to examine all allegations of wrongdoing carefully and take the necessary action against individuals found responsible.

“My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in election-related violence. No one should die in the exercise of their democratic rights.

“We will continue to support Nigeria and its civil society in drawing lessons from these elections and strengthening its democracy,” she added.