Nigerian eyes on poll result

– Nigeria’s Anambra state went to the polls on Saturday to choose its next governor, with the result viewed as a benchmark of public support for the country’s president.

Some 1.8 million voters were registered to decide the successor to Peter Obi, who steps down in March next year after completing his two four-year terms.

Fears of violence saw stringent security measures put in place in the mineral-rich southeast state, with a heavy police presence.

In all, 23 candidates are vying for the governorship, including Nigeria’s main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), which has yet to hold Nigeria’s presidency since the country returned to civilian rule in 1999.

A win for President Goodluck Jonathan’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is likely to be seen as an indicator of public opinion before his 2015 campaign.

Jonathan, a southern Christian, is tipped to run again but has faced dissent from some who say he should make way for a Muslim candidate. –