Buhari takes early lead amid vote-rigging charge
KANO - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari surged to an early lead in election returns on Monday, winning seven of 36 states in Africa's largest democracy, while the main opposition rejected the count, alleging manipulation.
Election observers said the last-minute postponement of the vote until Saturday discouraged some Nigerians from going to the polls as Buhari seeks a second term heading a country troubled by corruption, insecurity and a weak economy.
Buhari, a former military dictator from the north, faced a strong challenge from top opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and businessman, in a race many saw as too close to call.
As of midnight, Abubakar had won three southern states and the territory that includes the capital, Abuja. Buhari led by more than 450, 000 votes overall.
Abubakar's party chairperson, Uche Secondus, accused ruling party agents of hacking into the electoral commission's computer server and manipulating results.
He rejected the count as "incorrect, thus unacceptable."
The ruling party dismissed the claim and accused Abubakar's party of trying to discredit the election. Spokesperson Festus Keyamo urged the opposition not to "derail us to the dark past with its childish antics."
African Union observers called the political climate "largely peaceful and conducive for the conducting of credible elections" but urged the country of some 190 million people to remain calm.
A Nigerian civil society platform, the Situation Room, noted "major logistic lapses" in the vote.
The election was a step back from 2015, praised as one of Nigeria's most transparent and efficient votes, the group said.
At least 39 people were killed in voting-related violence over the weekend. Election observers organised by the Commonwealth, of which Nigeria is a member, called that "deeply troubling," saying Africa's largest democ
450, 000 votes
As of midnight, Abubakar had won three southern states and the territory that includes the capital, Abuja. Buhari led by more than 450, 000 votes overall. racy can do better.
Nigeria's election was originally scheduled for February 16, but the electoral commission postponed it just hours before polls were to open, citing logistical issues. The late arrival of election officials and materials, as well as malfunctions and harassment, caused voting to continue in parts of the country into Sunday.
Supporters of Buhari and Abubakar briefly confronted each other in the northern city of Kano, pulling knives and machetes.
The overall mood was celebratory, however, as the ruling party anticipated victory in Nigeria's largest city and the heart of the largely Muslim north. AFP.