Voting ends in Nigeria as election officials count ballots

By Olanrewaju Kola

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) - Voting has ended in Nigeria as election officials begin counting ballots in polling units across the country.

Nigerians filed out to cast votes early Saturday for new president, Federal House of Representatives and Senate.

Voting was scheduled to start by 8.30 a.m. and accreditation ended by 2.30 p.m., according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu said voting in parts of southern Edo State was suspended due to some irregularities.

"There were some issues regarding violence in Esp State. We have resolved to suspend the House of Representatives election in the area. Elections there will now be held simultaneously with the governorship poll on March 11," Yakubu announced at a press conference in the nation's capital Abuja.

An election official, Suleiman Abdulsalam said voting dragged to evening time because many voters were still on the queue.

"We have instruction to accredit voters who are on the queue between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and allow them to vote," he told Anadolu.