Panel Won’t Name Nigeria Winner, Cites Allegations on Vote

The electoral commission refused Wednesday to declare a winner in Nigeria’s presidential elections pending the outcome of a court case alleging that the balloting was rigged.

The decision was a blow to this troubled nation’s attempt to end a decade of military rule, and it provided ammunition to critics who say military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida is not ready to give up power.

“This is a well-organized confusion by the people who have controlled and manipulated the transition process to date, and that is the military,” said Sam Aluko, retired dean of Obafemi Awolowo University.

Partial results from Saturday’s elections showed Moshood K.O. Abiola, 55, a publishing and transportation tycoon, leading millionaire banker Bashir Tofa by a wide margin.

Even though the votes have been tabulated, electoral commission chairman Humphrey Nwosu said the commission was stopping the process to comply with a court injunction issued at the request of Babangida’s supporters.

“In light of the current developments, the commission has (decided), in deference to the court injunction and other actions pending in court, to stay action on all matters pertaining to the presidential election until further notice,” he told reporters in Abuja, the nation’s administrative capital.

Initial results showed Abiola winning 12 of Nigeria’s 30 states to Tofa’s three. Only 30% of eligible voters turned out.