Nigeria election tensions rise as vote counting suspended in volatile state

ABUJA - Nigeria's election authorities announced the suspension of activities in volatile opposition-held Rivers State on Sunday citing violence and threats to its staff, as tensions rise in the wake of closely-watched regional elections.

Counting is continuing across the country after Saturday's elections for governors in 29 of Nigeria's 36 states, all state assemblies and administrative councils in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. Results are expected in the coming days.

The statement from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) halting the electoral process in oil-rich Rivers came after dozens of men in military fatigues encircled a vote counting centre in the state capital Port Harcourt – sparking international concern and an army denial that its soldiers were involved.

Regional elections are fiercely contested in Nigeria, where governors are powerful and influential figures, controlling state finances and responsible for key areas from education to health.

In Lagos, meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) retained control of the governorship, according to results announced by a local INEC official.

The APC's Babajide SanwoOlu had faced a strong challenge from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jimmy Agbaje, for control of the commercial capital, a key prize given its sheer size and role as the main driver of the country's economy.