All is set for Nigerians to go to the polls for the second time in a fortnight for the gubernatorial and state assembly elections, against a backdrop of tensions and fears of violence.
Elections for governors are being held in 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states, for all state assemblies, plus the administrative councils in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.
Polling stations open from 0700 GMT, with results expected from early next week.
President Muhammadu Buhari will be expecting to consolidate his victory on February 23, when he won 19 states to secure a second, four-year term of office.
His All Progressives Congress (APC) currently controls 22 states while the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party has 13.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance has one.
Governors are powerful and influential figures in Nigeria’s federal politics, controlling state finances, where they are responsible for key areas including education to health.
They can also provide a strong collective voice in Abuja.
State-level elections are often predicted to broadly mirror presidential polling and this year come amid concerns about the role of security forces during the vote.
During the presidential and parliamentary polling, there were reports of violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation and ballot box vandalism in some states.
At least 53 people were killed, according to the Situation Room umbrella group of more than 70 civil society monitoring groups, which said safety fears contributed to a low turnout.
It said on Thursday there was a “worrying trend of increased and excessive involvement of the military and security officials in elections”.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that is in charge of the electoral process has assured Nigerians that all will be well.
Credit: punchng.com
