Back to business as usual with Buhari

The Nigerian president is likely to remain a difficult partner for oil firms in his second term in office

Muhammadu Buhari's victory in February's presidential elections reinforces the incumbent's control over the development of the Nigerian hydrocarbons sector. But those hoping that stability at the top for another four years could enable long-gestating radical reforms within the industry finally to be enacted may be disappointed. The size of 76-year-old Buhari's win surprised some Nigeria watchers who had expected the main opposition candidate, the 72-year-old businessman Atiku Abubakar, to run him closer. Buhari, representing the All Progressive Congress (APC), took around 56pc of the vote, while Abubakar, leader of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), came second with 41pc. As is customary i