'I Kept My Word' on Free, Fair Elections: Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan

Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday said he had held true to his pledge of free and fair elections, as he conceded defeat to his main challenger Muhammadu Buhari.

"I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word," the 57-year-old said in a statement after the final results were announced with Buhari some 2.5 million votes ahead.

Jonathan urged disputes over the results to be settled in court, adding: "Nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else."