President Goodluck Jonathan  released an official statement, a concession speech, after the announcement of the presidential election results.

Based on the figures on the all 36 states, Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, won taking 20 states while the incumbent president took 16.

Even before the INEC gave the figures from Borno state, Jonathan called Buhari to personally congratulate him.

Here is the public message,  provided by The Nation.

“Fellow Nigerians,

“I thank you all for turning out en-masse for the March 28 General Elections.

“I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word. I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see endure.

“Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.

“As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else.

I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going through the process of the March 28th General Elections with the commendable enthusiasm and commitment that was demonstrated nationwide.

“I also commend the Security Services for their role in ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful and violence-free.

“To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your support. Today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning. We have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.

“For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a Pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social transformation.

“Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party and look to the future with renewed optimism.

I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.

I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General Muhammadu Buhari.

May God Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I thank you all.”

Meanwhile numerous politicians are praising Jonathan for conceding defeat. Speaking on the issue, Nigeria’s former vice president Atiku Abubakar thanked GEJ for his gesture by which he won the admiration of the world.