Ruling party leads in state elections
The Nigerian president’s ruling party took a commanding lead in state elections marred by allegations of fraud and clashes that left at least 21 people dead.
The chaotic elections bode ill for a crucial presidential vote this month to pave the way for the country’s first transfer of power between elected civilians.
President Olusegun Obasanjo’s party won 10 of 12 states, the electoral commission said.
Most of the deaths came in fighting between supporters of rival political parties or during attempts to steal ballot boxes, local media reported.
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