Nigerians Head to the Polls in Crucial Presidential and Parliamentary Elections

Nigeria is holding its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, with 18 candidates vying for the top office. Three front-runners have emerged in recent weeks: the ruling party candidate, the main opposition party candidate and a third party challenger who has drawn strong support from younger voters.

The election is taking place amid fears of violence, from Islamic militants in the north to separatists in the south. However, officials have stressed that this year’s vote will not be postponed as the last two presidential elections were.

At a polling unit in Maraba, an Abuja suburb, a large crowd of voters struggled to cast their ballot, with many standing in the full glare of those next to them, in contravention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines. There are also reports of a national bank note shortage, which some observers fear will result in a lower-than-expected turnout.

CNN has confirmed reports of isolated violence at two polling stations in Lagos, with the military forced to intervene. Widespread delays have also been reported across the country.

The election is seen as a crucial moment for Nigeria, as the country looks to elect a new leader to tackle the many challenges it faces. The results of the election are expected to be announced in the coming days.