Britain on Wednesday hailed the successful presidential election in its former colony Nigeria and voiced hope that the transition of power to vote winner Muhammadu Buhari would be “peaceful”.

“I congratulate Muhammadu Buhari on his election victory as the next president of Nigeria and also President Goodluck Jonathan for the statesmanship he has shown in delivering free and fair elections and accepting the result,” Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said in a statement.

“It is now important for both parties to ensure the transition to a new government remains peaceful,” Hammond said.

“Britain has a very deep relationship with Nigeria and we look forward to working with the new president, his government and the people of Nigeria in their aspirations for prosperity,” he added.

Buhari won the election by 2.57 million votes, official results showed Wednesday, defeating incumbent Jonathan in the first democratic change of power in Africa’s most populous nation.

The victory writes a new chapter in the country’s often turbulent history after six military coups since independence from Britain in 1960 and 16 years of unbroken civilian rule by Jonathan’s party.