Nigerians voted for a new president on Saturday, braving long delays in the hope of bringing change to the country.
The election was the first since the death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2010. The polls opened at 8am and were due to close at 2pm, but many polling stations remained open late into the night as people waited to cast their ballots.
The election was seen as a crucial test for the country’s democracy, with the two main candidates, incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan and former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, representing different visions for the future of Nigeria.
The election was marred by reports of violence and irregularities, including ballot box snatching and intimidation of voters. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it had done its best to ensure a free and fair election.
The results of the election are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, Nigerians are hoping that the new president will bring much-needed change to the country.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy, but it has been plagued by corruption, poverty and insecurity. The country is also facing a growing threat from the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which has been responsible for a series of deadly attacks in recent years.
The new president will have to tackle these issues head-on if he is to bring about the change that Nigerians are hoping for. He will also have to address the country’s economic woes, which have been exacerbated by the fall in oil prices.
The election was seen as a crucial test for Nigeria’s democracy, and the result will be closely watched by the international community. It is hoped that the new president will be able to bring about the change that Nigerians are hoping for, and that the country will be able to move forward in a positive direction.