( CNN ) The last time Muhammadu Buhari came to power in Nigeria , it was by force . This time it was by the ballot box . Here are five reasons why one of the most fiercely-contested elections in the country 's history is so important . For the first time in Nigeria 's history , the opposition defeated the ruling party in democratic elections . Muhammadu Buhari , 72 , won Nigeria 's presidential election , defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan by about two million votes . Nigeria is significant because it is the biggest economy and most populous country in Africa ; it is also one of Africa 's largest oil producers and is a major supplier of crude oil to the United States . This is n't Buhari 's first time leading Nigeria -- but it 's his first time in nearly 30 years . The reformed dictator is a Sunni Muslim from Nigeria 's poorer North , while Jonathan comes from a Christian and animist South that is rich with oil . Buhari 's win comes after a long history of military rule , coups and botched attempts at democracy in the country . Many Nigerians told CNN that they saw President Jonathan as an ineffectual leader who was indecisive in dealing with the terror group Boko Haram -- and weak on corruption . Buhari , who was campaigning for the fourth time , capitalized on these weaknesses and some analysts believe that his military background was an advantage for him . Nigerians wanted a strong leader who could keep them safe from Boko Haram 's murderous raids -- and Buhari also campaigned as a born-again democrat to allay fears about his strict military regime the last time around . He stressed that Nigeria 's security needs to be the next government 's focus . His campaign was also fiercely anti-corruption -- he ran under the slogan of `` new broom , '' and his supporters were often pictured holding brooms in the lead-up to the vote . The elections were largely predicted to be violent and everyone , Nigerians included , expected the worst . Some families moved abroad and there was sporadic violence across the country in the lead up to the election . But those fears turned out to be mostly unfounded , and the elections held relatively peacefully -- with the exception of attacks in the north of the country , where around 11 people died . Many also praised President Jonathan 's gracious and quick concession of defeat as it almost certainly prevented post-election violence . President-elect Buhari said Wednesday in a speech to the nation : `` The eyes of the world were focused on us to see if we can vote in a peaceful way and carry out elections in an orderly manner . `` We have proven to the world that we are a people who have embraced democracy and a people who seek a government by , for and for the people . '' On election day , Nigerians queued for hours in hot weather to cast their vote . Some of the biometric reader machines malfunctioned -- including the one at President Jonathan 's polling station -- and voting had to be extended into the following day . But the technical issues did n't keep people from voting -- and in Lagos , some voters cast their ballots with the aid of the light from their mobile phones . And even though some card readers did n't work in some places , many say they helped to cut down on vote rigging . Boko Haram is n't the only obstacle facing the new president . The economy , crime and generating enough power to light up the country are other major issues . The pressure will soon be on Buhari to deliver and there will be no excuses . If he fails , Nigerians will be waiting for him at the polls just four short years from now .
Muhammadu Buhari 's win marked the first democratic transition of power from a ruling monarch to the president . Nigeria , the most populous country in Africa , is grappling with violent ta ##boo rebels .