Polling stations opened in Nigeria Saturday for the final stage of a historic election cycle with voters returning to the polls to elect governors and other state representatives.
The concluding phase comes just two weeks after President Goodluck Jonathan became Nigeria’s first incumbent leader to lose re-election at the ballot box.
The 36 state governors are said to be among the most powerful politicians in Africa’s top economy.
Analysts say with so much at stake, candidates in the past have often played dirty, snatching ballot boxes, manipulating voter turn-out and engaging in thuggery and intimidation tactics.
The U.S. State Department called Friday for political leaders to underscore the message to their supporters that they should remain peaceful and pursue any grievances through the judicial process.
The United States also encouraged Nigerian voters to bring the same level of commitment to peaceful, credible elections to the polls Saturday as in last month’s presidential election.
According to analysts, the vote in the presidential election, won by Muhammadu Buhari, was considered free and less violent than ones in past Nigerian elections.
Tensions are high in the south, where close contests are expected in Lagos, Nigeria’s financial heart and wealthiest state, and oil-rich Rivers State.
Witnesses said agitators set a polling station ablaze in Rivers, protesters firebombed a police car and opposition supporters marched peacefully in another area where they charge Jonathan’s party is attempting to rig the vote. The witnesses insisted on anonymity for their safety.
Igbo people in Lagos have been agitated since the traditional Yoruba leader threatened to kill them if they don’t vote for his opposition gubernatorial candidate.
The opposition holds 14 states and Mr. Jonathan’s party 21.
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