Jonathan poised for win in Nigeria’s presidential poll

17/04/11 18:43 CET

world news

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Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan appears set for victory in Africa’s biggest presidential election.

Despite a strong showing by his closest rival, partial results give the incumbent leader an almost unassailable lead.

Observers say the election in the continent’s most populous nation has perhaps been the most free and fair in decades. A remarkable feat in a country where corruption and rigged elections are the norm.

Jonathan’s camp remains cautious however and says it will not claim victory until full results are announced. As widely expected, he did particularly well in the predominantly Christian south and already has enough votes to avoid a run-off.

His closest rival, former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari swept many states in his northern heartland.

He has criticised the ruling party for trying to rig the results but also said he believes the final outcome will be 60 percent credible.

More about: Africa, Nigeria, Presidential elections

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

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