Lagos, April 1 (IANS): Nigeria's president-elect Muhammadu Buhari has pledged his hand of fellowship to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, saying he would receive nothing but understanding, cooperation and respect from his team.

Buhari said this while delivering his acceptance speech on the 2015 presidential election at the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Party (APC) in Abuja, the nation's capital, Xinhua news agency reported.

"For this I want all Nigerians to join me in congratulating and appreciating the president for his statesmanship," Buhari told reporters, saying President Jonathan engaged in a spirited campaign and was a worthy opponent.

"I extend my hand of fellowship to him. I look forward to meeting him soon as we plan the transition from one administration to another," he added.

He told his audience that the result of Saturday's presidential election declared by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reflected the will of the Nigerians.

He commended Nigerians for casting their votes for him, saying "you stood in line patiently for hours in the sun, rain and then in the dark to cast your ballots”.

According to him, Nigeria had now joined the comity of nations that had used the ballot box to peacefully change an incumbent president in a free and fair election.

Buhari said while most people would welcome the result, others would naturally be disappointed.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to be law abiding, peaceful, circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these times.

"This was a hard-fought contest. Emotions are high. We must not allow them to get the better of us," he added, noting that this was not the time for confrontation.