Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and his main rival, Atiku Abubakar, businessman, cast their ballots in the presidential election of the country on Saturday after a week delay in the process.
According to Reuters news reports, analysts have said the vote is very close to calling on anyone with an outcome set to be dependent on which man does the voters most trust to make over the country’s economy, facing a struggle to recover its economy from a 2016 recession.
Buhari, who was later elected president, is seeking a second term in this presidential election, in charge of Africa’s most populous country and top crude oil producer. Former vice president of the country, Atiku has vowed to expand the role of the private sector. The two candidates lead a field of more than 70 challengers.
Reuters has earlier witnessed some delays to the opening of the polling stations and some problems regarding the voting system in the early part of the ballot. Last Saturday, the poll went postponed for around five hours before the polling station opening by the electoral commission.
Buhari, when asked if he would congratulate his main rival if he wins, said: “I will congratulate myself, I’m going to be the winner.”
Atiku, shortly after voting session, told reporters: “I look forward to a successful transition.”
Nigerians queued at polling booths around the country where voting officially began at 8:00 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) and is due to close at 2:00 p.m.