Peter Clottey | From Voice of America

A spokesman for Nigerian president elect General Muhammadu Buhari says Nigerians are in an expectant and joyous mood before the new leader is officially sworn-in Friday in the capital, Abuja.

Shehu Garba says preparations have been finalized to ensure there is a smooth power transfer from President Goodluck Jonathan to General Buhari.

“The country is in the mood for this major shift of power from the PDP [People’s Democratic Party], which has ruled the country for 16 years to the new administration, led by Muhammadu Buhari under the APC [All Progressives Congress],” said Garba. “There is excitement and the air is thick of it and you can touch it … The outcome of the election is an indication that the people wanted something new [and] fresh.”

Thursday, Buhari returned to Nigeria from a private visit to London where he met with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Garba says Buhari is fully prepared to take on the challenges the country faces immediately after his swearing-in. He acknowledged there is high expectation among the population.

Some Nigerians say they voted for the former military ruler to end the insecurity in parts of the north where Islamist militant group Boko Haram has often carried out attacks and seized communities and territories.

Garba says Buhari will keep his promise of bolstering security and jumpstarting the economy to ensure it works again to create job opportunities for the youth.

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