Nigerians cast ballots in presidential election

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and his main challenger, businessman Atiku Abubakar, cast their ballots in presidential election on Saturday as voting began after a week's delay in Africa's biggest economic power.

Analysts say the vote is too close to call, with the outcome set to hinge on which man voters most trust to revamp an economy still struggling to recover from a 2016 recession.

Buhari, a former military ruler who was later elected president, is seeking a second term in charge of Africa's most populous nation and top crude producer. Atiku, a former vice president, has pledged to expand the role of the private sector.

The two candidates lead a field of more than 70 challengers.

Last Saturday, the election was postponed around five hours before polling stations were due to open and there are concerns that the week's delay might hurt turnout.

The electoral commission blamed logistical factors for last week's delay and denied political pressure was behind the decision. Presidential elections in 2011 and 2015 were also delayed over logistics and security concerns.

Buhari, who voted in his hometown of Daura in the northern state of Katsina, said "I will congratulate myself" when asked by reporters if he would congratulate his rival, should his rival win the election.

Atiku later cast his ballot in the eastern Adamawa state.

"I look forward to a successful transition," he told reporters shortly after voting.

Nigerians queued at polling booths around the country where voting was set to begin at 8:00 a.m. local time (0700 GMT).

SS