President Jacob Zuma has congratulated the incoming President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, on his successful election following the presidential elections held on Saturday and Sunday.

“We congratulate the Nigerian people on a successful election and look toward to working with the new government to enhance our existing strong historical ties,” Zuma said on Tuesday.

Buhari, the candidate of Nigeria's opposition All Progressives Congress, was officially declared president-elect on Wednesday, marking the first time that an incumbent is defeated in that country's presidential election.

The 72-year-old had unsuccessfully sought votes to be Nigerian president in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections.

He was Head of State of Nigeria for almost two years, having led a military coup d’état that ended a democratic government in December 1983.

Zuma has also commended the outgoing President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, for his leadership and commitment to consolidating democracy, peace and stability in Nigeria.

Jonathan conceded defeat – a move described by Zuma as indicative of Jonathan's readiness and commitment to ensure a smooth transfer of power with a view to consolidating democracy, peace and stability in Nigeria.

South Africa and Nigeria enjoy close bilateral relations structured under the Bi-National Commission (BNC) that was officially inaugurated in 1999.

South Africa's bilateral partnership with Nigeria spans across a wide spectrum covering political, economic and social cooperation.