According to Nigeria’s official electoral body INEC, approximately 93 million Nigerians are registered to vote in a country of 200 million people, but only 87 million have a permanent voter card (PVC), which is required to vote.
A significant presidential election in Nigeria that involved millions of voters was overshadowed by numerous delays on Saturday. Elections for members of the nation's parliament are taking place concurrently with the contentious election.
Frustrated Nigerians have been casting their ballots into the evening, hours past the official deadline for joining the voting line, after late starts and sporadic violence caused delays at polling stations.
Election officials blamed the delays on logistical issues, though other observers pointed to the upheaval created by a redesigned currency that has left many unable to obtain bank notes. The cash shortage affected transport not only for voters but also election workers and police officers providing security.
There were verified claims from witnesses that there was brief, isolated violence at two polling places in Lagos, necessitating military intervention.
Some chaotic scenes were also experienced as a sizable group of voters struggled to cast their ballots at a polling location in Maraba, an Abuja suburb. Those who were able to vote did so in full view of the others standing next to them, which is against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rules that guarantee voters' privacy.
Frontrunner candidate Peter Obi posted Saturday Afternoon:
“My dear wife and I have now cast our votes for a New Nigeria at 11:42am in Agulu. It was a smooth process in my polling unit. However, I have received reports of delays in delivery of voting materials nationwide.”
President Buhari also showed support for candidate Asiwaju at the polling station.
Territorial results have been announced at several polling stations and these are the forth runners so far:
All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Tinubu, leading opposition People's Democratic Party candidate Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria People's Party candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP).
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