Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the president-elect of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, on his victory in the country’s just concluded presidential election.

President Buhari has also praised Zambians for coming out in their numbers to vote for candidates of their choice, saying "the prospect of a united, stable and prosperous Africa lies in the power of the people to freely elect their leaders".

In a statement, Mr Buhari hailed Zambia’s outgoing President Edgar Lungu for accepting the outcome of the election and agreeing to a peaceful transfer of power describing this as "patriotic disposition".

The Nigerian president said Mr Lungu’s decision to accept defeat "deserves the praise of all lovers of democracy".

The Nigerian leader says he looks forward to working very closely with Mr Hichilema "for the peace, development and prosperity of both nations".