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Voting extended in Nigeria polls Voting extended in Nigeria polls
(about 1 hour later)
Voting has been extended across Nigeria due to the late opening of polling stations in many parts of the country.Voting has been extended across Nigeria due to the late opening of polling stations in many parts of the country.
Electoral chief Maurice Iwo assured Nigerians that "people who are already at the polling stations will be allowed to vote, no matter how late".Electoral chief Maurice Iwo assured Nigerians that "people who are already at the polling stations will be allowed to vote, no matter how late".
There were scenes of chaos in many areas as polls opened several hours late. Many busy centres are now set to stay open into the evening.There were scenes of chaos in many areas as polls opened several hours late. Many busy centres are now set to stay open into the evening.
The polls are a key test ahead of next weekend's presidential elections.The polls are a key test ahead of next weekend's presidential elections.
The winners of this Saturday's election will have the greatest effect on daily life for the 140m inhabitants of Africa's most populous state.The winners of this Saturday's election will have the greatest effect on daily life for the 140m inhabitants of Africa's most populous state.
State governors can be extremely powerful - with budgets of around $1bn, especially in oil-rich states.State governors can be extremely powerful - with budgets of around $1bn, especially in oil-rich states.
In pics: Nigerian state polls In pics: Nigerian state polls class="" href="/1/hi/puffbox/promo/regular/6556295.inc">Voters disappointed
These polls are also an important indicator of how free and fair the presidential polls will be.These polls are also an important indicator of how free and fair the presidential polls will be.
Tight security is in operation amid fears of violence instigated by gangs sponsored by rival politicians.Tight security is in operation amid fears of violence instigated by gangs sponsored by rival politicians.
President Olusegun Obasanjo says fraud or violence will not be tolerated.President Olusegun Obasanjo says fraud or violence will not be tolerated.
'Genuine fear''Genuine fear'
But in Port Harcourt - the largest city in the oil producing Niger Delta - the BBC's Alex Last said there was genuine fear of violence and rigging.But in Port Harcourt - the largest city in the oil producing Niger Delta - the BBC's Alex Last said there was genuine fear of violence and rigging.
HAVE YOUR SAY Despite all the odds associated with this election, Nigerians must play their part and exercise their rights Adeleye Adenola, Australia Are you voting?HAVE YOUR SAY Despite all the odds associated with this election, Nigerians must play their part and exercise their rights Adeleye Adenola, Australia Are you voting?
Our correspondent was at one polling station which had only been open for a few minutes when a gang of young men on motorcycles stormed it and made off with the ballot papers and the ballot box.Our correspondent was at one polling station which had only been open for a few minutes when a gang of young men on motorcycles stormed it and made off with the ballot papers and the ballot box.
Early on Saturday, suspected militants torched three police stations, killing seven policemen.Early on Saturday, suspected militants torched three police stations, killing seven policemen.
Meanwhile in the commercial capital Lagos - an opposition stronghold - the streets and freeways were abnormally quiet and the military was out in full force manning checkpoints at key road junctions.Meanwhile in the commercial capital Lagos - an opposition stronghold - the streets and freeways were abnormally quiet and the military was out in full force manning checkpoints at key road junctions.
Many polling stations in different parts of the country opened several hours late.Many polling stations in different parts of the country opened several hours late.
The BBC News website's Senan Murray is at a polling station in the Rukuba area of Jos in central Nigeria.The BBC News website's Senan Murray is at a polling station in the Rukuba area of Jos in central Nigeria.
The biggest issue in the elections is the future of my children, the future of Nigeria's children Eunice Folorunso Election voicesThe biggest issue in the elections is the future of my children, the future of Nigeria's children Eunice Folorunso Election voices
He says eager voters stood around waiting to vote from early on Saturday morning.He says eager voters stood around waiting to vote from early on Saturday morning.
Electoral officers only turned up just before midday to open the polling station.Electoral officers only turned up just before midday to open the polling station.
Voter Yakubu Ropshak, 27, said: "We are waiting and we are not going anywhere until we vote."Voter Yakubu Ropshak, 27, said: "We are waiting and we are not going anywhere until we vote."
Our correspondent says that there have been pockets of violence in some parts of the country where election materials have been destroyed and electoral officers attacked.Our correspondent says that there have been pockets of violence in some parts of the country where election materials have been destroyed and electoral officers attacked.
In north-eastern Bauchi state an office block belonging to the Independent National Election Commission (Inec) was burnt by protestors in Gamawe village.In north-eastern Bauchi state an office block belonging to the Independent National Election Commission (Inec) was burnt by protestors in Gamawe village.
Resident election commissioner, Aniedi Abasi-Ikiowar told our correspondent that the destruction of the office building would not affect voting in the area.Resident election commissioner, Aniedi Abasi-Ikiowar told our correspondent that the destruction of the office building would not affect voting in the area.
And in the Asari-Toro local government area of Rivers State an Inec van was attacked and escorts were shot at by unknown gunmen.And in the Asari-Toro local government area of Rivers State an Inec van was attacked and escorts were shot at by unknown gunmen.