Nigeria Votes In Hotly Contested Presidential Race

It is expected to be the most closely fought election since independence, set against a background of violence from militant islamist group Boko Haram.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has dominated Nigerian politics since 1999, but the All Progressive Congress (APC) is viewed as a serious challenge.

The polls are already open.

The two main presidential candidates have signed an agreement to prevent violence, during the election and its aftermath.

Some 800 people were killed after the 2011 contest between the two rivals.

The polls were due to be held on February 14th, but were postponed to give the electoral commission more time to prepare and for regional forces to regain territory from Boko Haram in the North East.

On Friday, the Nigerian Army said it had retaken the town of Gwoza, believed to be the headquarters of Boko Haram.

Voters in 36 states and the federal capital territory of Abuja will also elect members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

By Maureen Murimi

Source: BBC News