Nigeria’s presidential election was marked by long delays at some polling stations on Saturday, which did not deter large crowds of voters hoping for a reset after years of worsening violence and hardship under outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari.
Africa’s most populous nation is struggling with Islamist insurgencies in the northeast, an epidemic of kidnappings for ransom, conflict between herders and farmers, shortages of cash, fuel and power, as well as deep-rooted corruption and poverty.
our reporters at locations across the country saw a mixed election day picture, with some polling stations closing at the planned time of 2:30 p.m. local time,while others had yet to open.
“I will wait here to cast my vote. If I don’t vote how will things change?” said 23-year-old osas igbinovia, whose polling station in the ancient city of Benin had not started operating by closing time.
By evening, some polling stations were already counting ballots while voting was still going on at others and had not taken place elsewhere. Some voting was now expected to take place on Sunday.
Some states were expected to announce results on Sunday and the final tally from all 36 states plus the federal capital Abuja was expected within five days of voting. The election is also for National Assembly seats.
