ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria's new leader says the nation has put a one-party state behind it and embraced democracy with his election.

Former military dictator Muhammadu Buhari says now is the time "to heal wounds" after a hard-fought contest has left emotions high.

He said in his acceptance speech Wednesday that his election is a victory for Nigerians and shows their belief in a better future.

President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat in a televised address to the nation late Tuesday, opening the way for a peaceful and unprecedented transition of power in Africa's richest and most populous state.

Jonathan's concession has defused tensions and fears of post-election violence. Some 1,000 people died and 65,000 were made homeless in riots in the Muslim north after Buhari lost to Jonathan in 2011.