Nigeria presidential election: Polling stations open

Polling stations have opened in Nigeria for Africa's biggest presidential election, with incumbent Goodluck Jonathan seen as frontrunner.

His main challenge is expected to come from ex-military leader Muhammadu Buhari, who has strong support in the mainly Muslim north of the country.
Mr Jonathan is counting on opposition divisions to win outright, avoiding a run-off election.
Voters have begun registering, and voting will start at 1230 (1130 GMT).
Everyone intending to vote is required to register for accreditation before midday.
'Model for Africa' Mr Jonathan has staked his reputation on the conduct of the election, repeatedly promising it will be free and fair.

Election season

• 20 presidential candidates
• 74 million registered voters
• Parliament, president and local elections on three consecutive weekends
• Ruling PDP dominated every vote since end of military rule in 1999
• Previous elections plagued by corruption and violence
• New election commission head has promised clean vote

The two main opposition parties - fielding Mr Buhari and Mr Ribadu - had tried to agree a formal alliance for the presidential poll, but talks broke down.

The relatively successful conduct of the parliamentary election has increased confidence in the ability of the electoral commission, Inec, to ensure a fair presidential vote.
However, bomb blasts and other attacks have killed dozens in the run-up to the polls.
With 74 million registered voters, Nigeria has the biggest electorate on the continent.
"If Nigeria gets it right, it will impact positively on the rest of the continent and show the rest of the world that Africa is capable of managing its electoral processes," said Mr Kufuor.
"If Nigeria gets it wrong, it will have a negative influence on the continent with dire consequences."
curtsy-BBC