Relief that people could vote ‘in most of the north’

Africa’s most populous nation went to the polls on 28 and 29 March to elect a president, his deputy and 360 legislators to the House of Assembly, write Fredrick Nzwili and Ellen Teague.

The incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, a 57-year-old Christian from the South, is fighting it out with Muhammadu Buhari, a 72-year-old ex-military ruler and a Muslim from the north. On Sunday, Christians attending Palm Sunday services prayed for a peaceful election outcome. In 2011, 800 people were killed when Mr Jonathan defeated Mr Buhari.

Tensions surrounding the election were mixed with relief that most of the north, where Boko Haram terrorists have murdered thousands, was able to participate.