Initial results from Nigeria’s most competitive general election since the country’s democratic transition 24 years ago have begun to trickle in.
The elections on Saturday went relatively smoothly but were hampered by delays and some instances of violence.
Only one state’s and the federal capital territory’s results have been released.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, won the small southwestern state of Ekiti.
However, predicting who will win the presidency is still premature.
Despite a new electronic system designed to speed up the publication of data from polling stations, the results were announced more than 24 hours after polls had officially closed.
In a country with a history of ballot rigging and vote buying, the delay has fueled rumors of foul play.
The parties of the two main opposition candidates, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party’s surprise third candidate, Peter Obi, have both condemned the delay.
The electoral commission has apologized for the new electronic system’s slow pace, blaming teething problems.
The next president of Nigeria will face a number of challenges, including an ailing economy and rising insecurity.
